Failte Ireland has issued its end of year review on the tourism sector in 2005, saying total visitor numbers grew to an all-ime high of 6.7 million people, up more than 5% on 2004.
Strongest growth was from Continental Europe, in particular Germany and Scandinavia. The UK grew by 3%, while the US and other long haul markets were disappointing. The number of visitors to Dublin continues to increase, but the remarkable rate of about 8% a year since 1999 was more modest in 2005, with growth of just 1%.
Failte Ireland predicted tourism growth of 4.9% in 2006, which would see Ireland attracting over seven million visitors for the first time. This would be driven by 8% growth from mainland Europe, North America and other areas, with about 2% from Britain.
