Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The question relates to the fall in visitor numbers from Britain. According to the latest CSO figures for January to September 2012, and despite ongoing economic difficulties across much of Europe and further afield, our visitor numbers from the European and long-haul markets performed well and America has held steady. However, our visitor numbers from Britain continue to be affected by the slow pace of economic recovery and weak consumer confidence in that market, with overall trips from Britain to Ireland falling by approximately 4% in the first nine months of the year.

While British visitors spend less and do not stay as long as other overseas visitors, Britain remains our single most important tourism market and I am determined to restore it to growth. In this regard, I was pleased to welcome last month’s report of the Tourism Recovery Taskforce, TRT, entitled GB Path to Growth, and I understand that its recommendations for restoring growth in visitors from Britain will be reflected in the 2013 plans of our tourism agencies and businesses.

Tourism Ireland has been conducting an extensive promotional programme this year focusing on our main markets, including Britain. Its autumn-winter campaign aims to boost late season travel to Ireland from around the globe, as well as promoting The Gathering Ireland 2013. For next year, The Gathering Ireland 2013 will form the central focus of all tourism campaigns, with the TRT recommendations further informing marketing plans and activity in the British market.

Growth in visitor numbers from Britain is dependent on improved economic conditions and consumer confidence, as well as the efforts of the tourism industry and agencies. Using The Gathering as our centrepiece for 2013, and building on the approach set out by the TRT, I know that Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and other tourism industry players will work to sell Ireland overseas and to strengthen the competitiveness of our product. I am confident we can grow tourist numbers from Britain and further afield for 2013 and beyond.

See this speech in context