Tourism industry optimistic for strong 2012

Almost half of accommodation providers in the tourist industry expect their overnight business to increase during 2012.

New data by Fáilte Ireland also shows that 70% of businesses in the tourism sector offered more competitive prices and reduced their operating costs last year.

Fáilte Ireland said it is the first time in three years that the tourism industry was optimistic about the year ahead.

Last year saw an increase of almost 6% in the number of overseas visitors to Ireland.

It said that there are strong indications that more Irish people will holiday at home this year and growth in the number of tourists coming from the US and mainland Europe is also expected.

However, the group has cautioned against complacency, saying that a change in consumer confidence internationally and an increase in fuel and energy costs could have a negative impact on tourist numbers.

It says that the UK market will remain its key focus and that there will also be an aggressive home holiday marketing campaign.

The Wild Atlantic Drive to promote package drives from Donegal to West Cork and the Tourism Town Award are among the main projects for 2012.

Work will also continue this year on the project The Gathering 2013, which will encourage Irish people abroad to return home during that year.