Irish residents spent more on domestic holidays last year than in 2002 and took more trips at home, with the south-west being the most popular long-stay destination.
A Central Statistics Office household travel survey revealed that nearly 14.8 per cent more was spent by Irish people on domestic holidays last year than in 2002.
Expenditure on domestic holidays grew to €575 million in 2003, up from €501.6 million in 2002.
The total spent, including business travel and visits to friends and relatives, was €970.9 million, an increase of 14.3 per cent on 2002.
The number of domestic trips taken in 2003 increased by 3.3 per cent to 6.6 million.
The figures were welcomed yesterday by the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Mr O'Donoghue, who said this was an excellent result for the domestic market, which had proven the backbone of the tourism industry.
Fáilte Ireland chief executive Mr Shaun Quinn said much of the growth in additional short-break holidays was stimulated by Discover Ireland promotional activities. The Discover Ireland campaign had earmarked a record budget of €3.3 million for the 2004 season.
The statistics also show an increase in international travel. There were 4.9 million international trips taken in 2003, compared to 4.5 million in 2002.