Figures from the CSO out today show that total overseas visitor numbers to Ireland fell by 317,400 (21%) for the first three months of 2010 compared with the same period last year. Numbers from the UK were down 195,800 for the same period. While these figures are most disappointing, we should not be too despondent. There are grounds for optimism -
- We have a superb tourism product and a huge European market on our doorstep
- The overseas 'seniors market' has enormous potential and the package holiday coach touring product could be revisited
- Influential commentators such as Richard Curran, Olivia O'Leary and Don Thornhill have recently highlighted the job creation potential of the sector
- John McColgan has just launched the Gateway Ireland initiative
- The Grand Canal Theatre and the Aviva Stadium have opened while the Convention Centre Dublin and Terminal 2 are nearing completion
- Gabriel Byrne and Padraig Harrington have agreed to become our respective cultural and golf tourism ambassadors
I know that there are very real challenges out there at present, but we have a lot more going for us now than we had 20 years ago. We ought to focus on that.
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