PRODUCT PROFILE

Latest Dublin Prices

Tourism numbers show modest 2012 rise

Thursday, March 21 11:24:13

The number of overseas trips to Ireland by non residents increased from 6.505 million in 2011 to 6.517 million trips in 2012, a rise of 0.2pc, latest figures from the CSO showed today.

However, the number of nights spent in Ireland by overseas travellers decreased by 4.7pc in 2012, down from 50.3 million to 47.9 million.

Total tourism and travel earnings from overseas travellers to Ireland increased by 4.5pc between 2011 and 2012, from E3,525 million to E3,683 million.

In 2012, the number of trips made by Irish residents overseas increased by 0.5pc, from 6.293 million to 6.326 million trips.

Total tourism and travel expenditure by Irish residents overseas declined by 5.8pc, from E4,762 million in 2011 to E4,487 million in 2012.

The largest percentage increase in the number of overseas trips to Ireland by reason for journey was in the category of business travel, which rose from 1.098 million trips to 1.182 million trips, an increase of 7.7pc.

The number of trips made for the purpose of visiting friends and relatives fell by 155,000 (-7.9pc) to 1.818 million trips. Forty two percent of all overnight trips and 53pc of all same day trips were made by residents of Great Britain. Almost one third of all overseas trips to Ireland occurred during the third quarter of 2012.

Based on the area of residence of the overseas traveller, the most important markets in terms of expenditure (excluding fares) within Ireland were Great Britain (28pc) and USA and Canada (25pc). Of the E819 million spent by residents of Great Britain, 36pc was spent on visits for holiday/leisure/recreation purposes, 33pc on trips to visit friends and relatives and 26pc on business trips.