Schools which teach English to foreigners in Ireland have appealed for new host families to accommodate what is expected to be a substantial increase in the business this year. Homes is Dublin and all urban areas are being sought for a market now worth £150 million.
The Recognised English Language Schools Association (RELSA) said yesterday an international marketing campaign had fended off competition for Ireland's student tourism business from Britain, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
About 30,000 overseas students from Europe, Asia and South America attended long courses in Ireland last year. A further 70,000, mainly from France, Spain and Italy, attended summer courses. RELSA's manager, Ms Jacqueline Joyce, said Ireland's advantage lay in the quality of the teaching and the warmth and security of family accommodation.