Tourism generated £2.3 billion in foreign exchange earnings in 1998, the Minister for Tourism, Dr McDaid, said yesterday. It is the highest figure on record and a 9 per cent increase on last year. Ireland attracted 5.5 million visitors, another record.
Dr McDaid said the figures are preliminary estimates made by Bord Failte but were solidly based on official Central Statistics Office figures for the period January to September, which showed a 10 per cent increase in the number of visitors. Britain was the strongest-performing market, with 3.2 million visitors, a 12 per cent increase on the previous year.
The German market is the most conspicuous failure, with no increase on 1997. However, France and Italy performed more strongly than expected, with increases of 8 and 25 per cent respectively. North America also performed strongly with 840,000 visitors, an 8 per cent gain. Dr McDaid said there was evidence Ireland was gaining market share among American holidaymakers at the expense of other European countries.
The US market was considerably stimulated by increased flights by Aer Lingus and Delta and the arrival of a major new US carrier, Continental.
Dr McDaid said the primary objective of Irish tourism in 1999 would be to continue to increase foreign revenue and jobs in the industry. The Budget has provided an extra £6 million for tourism promotion, but this will be counterbalanced by the loss of previously available EU funding.
Dr McDaid said a special effort would be made to boost tourism from continental Europe, especially Germany and France.
Another disappointment in the figures for Bord Failte is the absence of a real breakthrough in the Japanese market, though other long-haul destinations like Australia and New Zealand performed well.
Dr McDaid said the most auspicious development for Irish tourism was the Belfast Agreement, which provided for the industry to be promoted on an all-island basis.
"This historic development will be widely welcomed in the tourism industry in both parts of the island," he said.