NEW MARKETS:GERMANY AND FRANCE are being courted by Tourism Ireland following the collapse in the number of visitors to the island from Britain, who have been discouraged by the sterling-euro exchange rate.
The strongest potential markets for Ireland also include Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and Sweden, according to a review of the tourism industry launched this week by Martin Cullen, the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism.
Mainland Europe now accounts for 37 per cent of all revenue from overseas, nearly equalling that from UK visitors. Keeping the trend going relies on flights from the Continent, but these are challenging times. Simon Gregory of Tourism Ireland said: “The significant expansion of direct air services from Europe to the island of Ireland over the past five years has been a key driver behind the strong performance. Without the benefit of further major developments in air services, the challenge will be to continue to grow the market.”
On Monday former minister Mary O’Rourke will launch Bay Sports, a boat training and water-sports centre at Hodson Bay, in Co Roscommon. School tours and summer activity weeks will be the main focus, although the facility will also cater for transition-year students, adults and corporate outings.
Yesterday Éamon Ó Cuív, the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, opened the first section of the Dublin Mountains Way walking trail and launched the Volunteer Ranger Service. “Walking routes have the capacity to attract even more visitors to Ireland and to develop sustainable local jobs,” he said.