CSO Figures Reveal Record Year For Irish Tourism

Overseas visits to Ireland increased by 10.9%, with a record-breaking total of 9,584,400 visits in 2016.

The latest figures from Central Statistics Office (CSO) also reveal that overseas trips made by Irish people increased by 6.3%, totaling 7.4 million in 2016, compared to 2015.

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross: "I am delighted that Irish tourism has had a record breaking year in 2016. This has been achieved largely due to the hard work of the tourism industry with the assistance of the tourism agencies. I am confident of another good year for tourism in 2017.

"Nevertheless the Government is acutely aware of the challenges facing tourism not least of which is Brexit. In this regard the All-Island Civic Dialogue process has been expanded to include the Tourism & Hospitality dialogue which Minister O Donovan and I attended on Monday last in Dundalk. The event was a great opportunity to hear the voices of the people and organisations affected by the outcome of the UK vote, both directly and through their representative groups. I very much look forward to working with all of these groups to ensure we maintain growth in 2017."

CSO figures on Overseas Travel show:

• At over 9.584 million visits, overall trips to Ireland were up 10.9% in 2016 compared to 2015. 

• Visits from Mainland Europe grew by 8.5% in 2016, to 3,302,100 visits

• North America registered an increase of 19.4% for 2016 (1,808,000 visits)

• Visits from Great Britain were up by 10.6% for 2016 (3,924,100 visits)

• Visits from the rest of the world (mostly long-haul and developing markets) were 550,200 for 2016 (representing an increase of 2.2%).

(MH)