SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN VISITOR ARRIVALS IN 2012

International tourist arrivals worldwide grew by 5.7% in the first two months of 2012 according to the UNWTO's recent World Tourism Barometer. Europe's results were ahead of expectations  (+5%), with destinations in Northern Europe and Western Europe performing even better (+6%).
Unfortunately, while this represents good news for Europe, the news for Ireland isn't quite so positive. The total number of trips to Ireland decreased by 1.2% in the period January-March 2012 compared with the same period last year.
It will be very interesting to see if the 6% increase in visitor numbers to Northern and Western Europe can be sustained for the rest of the year. Watch this space!