Spend by overseas visitors up almost 9 per cent in first half

Overseas visitors spent an estimated € 1.535 billion in the State in the first half of this year, according to new figures hailed as a sign of economic recovery.

Revenue from overseas visitors grew by nearly 9 per cent between January and June of this year which is an additional €123 million compared to the same six-month period in 2013, according to the Central Statistics Office figures.

Visitor figures for the spring season were particularly good, with a 12.3 per cent increase in overseas trips to the State between April and June.

Minister for Tourism Paschal Donohoe said the figures show that tourism "could play a key part in our economic recovery".

Chief executive of Tourism Ireland Niall Gibbons said the increase in revenue is helping to boost employment around the country.

Earnings in the tourism and travel sector from overseas travellers increased 18 per cent in the second quarter of 2014 compared to the same period the previous year.

Visitors are also staying in the country longer. The number of nights spent in Ireland by overseas travellers increased by 13.4 per cent in the second quarter compared to that period in 2013.

There was a particular surge in visitors from Great Britain (up 13 per cent) and North America (up 9 per cent) in the first six months of 2014.

Last year was also a good one for tourism as The Gathering drew more tourists and tourism expenditure into the country. Overall spending by overseas visitors grew by 12 per cent in 2013 and the numbers released today confirm that the tourism sector continues to grow.

Mr Donohoe said the positive momentum from 2013 has been maintained. He credited measures put in place by the Government for the increase in figures.

Irish residents travelling abroad themselves are also spending more money. Total tourism and travel expenditure by Irish residents overseas increased by seven per cent between April and June 2014, compared to the second quarter of 2013.