The latest CSO quarterly figures show that tourism has increased employment further and is Ireland’s largest business employer.
 
The sector now accounts for 1 in 9 jobs nationally. The Irish Tourist Industry Confederation (ITIC) has welcomed the creation of 3,400 extra tourism jobs but has warned that the sector faces external threats. 
 
ITIC has called on the government to retain competitiveness and restore investment in the tourism sector as matters of priority in its pre-budget submission, particularly to cope with the effects being felt due to the Brexit vote in the UK.

They claim sterling’s depreciation and concerns about the UK economy risk damaging Ireland’s largest source market of visitors.
 
The tourism industry was worth €7.3 billion to the Irish economy last year and over 8 million international tourists visited Ireland in 2015. The sector paid €1.8 billion to the exchequer in taxes last year. This year has continued to perform strongly with 13% growth in overseas visitors for the first six months, ITIC reported. 
 
ITIC Chief Executive, Eoghan O’Mara Walsh said, "Tourism is a long-term sustainable source of jobs in Ireland. Tourism can’t be offshored or out-sourced. It is here to stay and has the potential to provide jobs in all parts of the country. However tourism capital investment by the state is very low and not appropriate for a sector that is so important to the economy."

He added, "For example tourism marketing budgets have been cut year after year and are now €20 million below what they used to be. This is having a serious impact on advertising recall and will mean less visitor numbers in future years if not addressed immediately."

Source: www.businessworld.ie