Tourism Ireland is predicting that more than eight million tourists will visit Ireland in 2016.
The all-island body is aiming to make next year another record-breaking one for tourism
2015 delivered a bumper year, with visitor numbers rising to a record 8.2 million and revenue swelling to €4.4 billion. This is on the back of Central Statistics Office figures that show major growth in the industry over the last five years.
Tourism Ireland is hoping to replicate the branding success of the Wild Atlantic Way, with a campaign targeting “Ireland’s Ancient East”.
It is also hoping the release of Star Wars: the Force Awakens, which will feature Skellig Michael off the Co Kerry coast, will arouse interest in Ireland among a new generation of younger American tourists.
Dublin is also to be promoted with a campaign entitled Dublin – a Breath of Fresh Air.
But, as we all know, Ireland’s real gem for 2016 is the ‘Shelly Place’!
For more information on Ireland’s tourism projections for 2016, visit the Tourism Ireland website.