Saturday, November 30, 2024 The latest data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) reveals a promising trend for Ireland’s tourism industry, with a notable increase in both visitor numbers and spending from overseas tourists throughout 2024. From January to October, the Emerald Isle greeted 5.79 million visitors, marking an 8% increase from the same period in 2023.
These visitors have contributed significantly to the economy, spending a total of €5.38 billion, which is a 15% surge compared to last year. October alone saw overseas visitors spending €535 million, a near 4% rise over the previous year, fueled primarily by travelers from Mainland Europe and North America.
These regions have been key drivers in the economic uplift, demonstrating a robust appetite for the Irish travel experience. Despite the overall positive trajectory, October also presented some challenges, particularly a 5% drop in visitor volumes compared to the same month last year, totaling 548,000 visitors. This decline was significantly influenced by a decrease in travelers from Great Britain, which fell by 13%.
Additionally, there was a minor reduction in North American tourists, attributed to the proximity of the US elections, impacting travel decisions. Conversely, Mainland Europe stood out as a beacon of growth. Visitor numbers from this region increased by 3%, alongside a notable 22% jump in spending and a 15% rise in bednights during October, compared to the same month in 2023.
The data.