Written answers

Tuesday, 17 December 2013

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Tourism Data

Photo of Sandra McLellanSandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

666. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the State's performance in attracting repeat visitors to Ireland; the way we compare with other European Countries in attracting repeat visitors; and if there is any strategy in order to ensure that we increase the proportion of visitors to Ireland who return to visit. [54343/13]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Figures published by the Central Statistics Office show that Irish tourism is enjoying a very good year and all of our main overseas markets are showing growth.  For the ten month period between January and October, the number of overseas visits to Ireland increased by 7.3% to over 6 million. Visits from North America were up 14.6%; visits from Mainland Europe were up 5.6%; visits from Great Britain were up 5.1% while the number of visits from other long-haul markets increased by 14.4% compared by the same ten month period of 2012.  

In terms of our ability to attract repeat visitors, we welcome all visitors whether first timers or repeat visitors.   Having said that, it is primarily a matter for the tourism industry itself to ensure that the visitor experience is an enjoyable one thus increasing the likelihood of such repeat visits. It is estimated that up to 40% of our overseas visitors last year were repeat visitors. It is worth noting the repeat visitors to sunspots, holiday home regions and ski resorts will always be higher than a location such as Ireland which for many is a "once in a lifetime" visit.

 With regard to tourism strategies for the medium to longer term, Tourism Ireland  is currently finalising its three year Corporate Plan to cover the 2014 -2017 period and its Business Plan for 2014.    In addition, work on the tourism policy review is now progressing following completion of the first public consultation phase. The review is considering all measures to grow the tourism sector further and it is intended to commence drafting of the new policy in the New Year with a view to finalising it by Easter 2014. 

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.