IRELAND: Fáilte Ireland Hails Bumper Summer For Irish Tourism

The latest Fáilte Ireland figures show that summer 2015 was a particularly successful season for most Irish tourism businesses.

Eight out of 10 hotels reported an increase in trade, followed by seven out of 10 of guesthouses.

Even the B&B sector, which has struggled in recent years, is showing signs of improvement with seven out of 10 operators there are also celebrating a bumper summer.

The majority of tourist attractions, restaurants and gold clubs also saw a boost in numbers.

Fáilte Ireland CEO Shaun Quinn feels that repeat business is crucial keep the tourism industry on the rise.

“Tourism appears now to be firing on all pistons with every sector of the industry now enjoying greater growth,” said Quinn.

“We have been particularly blessed this year by favourable currency rates but these aren’t steadfast and it will be important for tourism businesses to ensure they are not stranded if that tide goes out.

“The visitor experience of value for money, especially given that repeat visitors are an important part of our customer base, will be crucial to providing for tourism growth which is ever-green rather than cyclical.”