Peace and stability in Northern Ireland has given a major boost to the island's image as a top tourist destination, it was claimed today.
Irish Tourist Industry Confederation chairman Dick Bourke said the country had never appeared more attractive and predicted the industry would weather current economic woes.
It comes as travel operators express concern about the growing strength of the euro against the dollar and the knock-on effects for American visitors.
Although Central Statistics Office figures for January, released today, show tourist numbers down almost 4000 on the same period last year, the amount of US visitors remains nearly unchanged.
"The product in Ireland has never been in better shape and the stability that has emerged in Northern Ireland has given a major boost to the image of the whole island," Mr Bourke told the Irish Tourist Industry agm in Dublin.
"As an island access is key and in this regard we have never been so well served by air and by surface."
He said the industry was facing its toughest period since 2001 it was in a strong position to survive the current economic difficulties.
Claiming periods of financial uncertainty come and go, Mr Bourke also predicted the dollar would recover.