Ireland enjoys Aussie growth

Ireland enjoys Aussie growth
By admin


Tourism Ireland has highlighted the “critical role” of tourism in Ireland’s economic recovery, as it revealed solid growth in visitor numbers from the Australian market.

Figures released by the Central Statistics Office of Ireland showed Australian visitor numbers to the destination rose 5.7% to 51,800 this year to date, exceeding increases from all of other markets worldwide.

Tourism Ireland chief executive Niall Gibbons attributed the strong growth to improved air access between the two countries, with Etihad and Emirates operating a combined total of 17 flights via the Middle East.

Meanwhile, the tourism body’s Australia and New Zealand manager, Diane Butler, described 2012 as “an exciting and challenging year for Ireland”.

“It is promising to see such strong results coming through for Australia,” she said.

“We are confident that the Australian and New Zealand markets will continue the upwards trend into 2013 when we have some fabulous draw cards.”

Next year, the destination will host a number of events connected to the Gathering 2013, an incentive for those with Irish blood to pay a visit.

In addition, 2013 will see Derry-Londonderry crowned the inaugural UK City of Culture.

Tourism Ireland will also hold trade roadshows in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth during November.
Australia is the 7th largest market for visitors to Ireland and one of the top three markets for visitors to Northern Ireland, with approximately 2.2 million Aussies claiming Irish ancestry.

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