Tourism Ireland has launched details of its plans to promote Irish tourism in the coming years, saying it wants to build on a return to growth this year.
The tourism body says it is aiming to attract more than nine million visitors to the island of Ireland by 2015, topping the record set in 2007.
Tourism Ireland announced details of a new global advertising campaign - 'Jump Into Ireland' - to be launched in 22 markets around the world in January next year.
The organisation is hoping for a boost to tourism in 2012 from events such as the grand finale of the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012 in Galway and the annual Notre Dame-Navy American football in Dublin's Aviva Stadium. It will also be focusing on the Gathering 2013.
Tourism Ireland estimates that 7.4 million people will have visited Ireland by the end of 2011, an increase of 7% from 2010. It says there has been growth in all markets, including the key British market.
Revenue generated by overseas visitors is expected to be around €3.38 billion, a 10% increase.
Tourism Ireland is targeting a 5.5% increase to 7.8 million visitors in 2012.
