Irish Tourism Industry Remains Confident

Confidence in the Irish tourism industry about its prospects for the year ahead is at its highest level for many years with almost all accommodation providers in the sector expecting to increase or maintain business in 2014. The confidence has been boosted by a combination of recent Government initiatives, improving overseas markets and the impact of last year's 'Gathering' initiative, it was revealed today at Fáilte Ireland's Annual Tourism Industry Review.

Fáilte Ireland CEO Shaun Quinn emphasised: "One of Ireland's largest indigenous industries, tourism has a spring in its step once more and is poised to play a pivotal role in the continuing national recovery.

"Crucially, when it comes to job creation, the sector can reach those parts that other industries don't. With €100m invested in Fáilte Ireland initiatives in recent years, including the new Wild Atlantic Way, and an overall increase in overseas visitors anticipated during 2014, tourism is well placed to deliver additional revenue and employment to many areas outside the major metropolitan hubs."

During 2013, visitor numbers grew by 7% and foreign earnings rose by €300m boosting overall confidence in the sector. Business sentiment (regarding 2013 and looking to 2014) is on the up for seven out of 10 tourism operators, a long way from the lows of 2009-10.

(CD)