Optimism as Tourism Thrives
Optimism about tourism is its highest in a decade and the number of overseas visitors to Ireland has grown this year.
A Fáilte Ireland survey of 600 tourism businesses found that 72% were upbeat about tourism performance in 2016 and about prospects for the rest of the year.
The figure is up two percentage points on last year, and rising steadily since the low of 2009.
Most hoteliers and guesthouse operators enjoyed a lucrative summer, compared to last year.
Four out of five hoteliers (79%) recorded increased profits;
Profits up for two thirds (69%) of guesthouses;
More than half of hotels (63%) and guesthouses (54%) took on new staff;
84% of hoteliers, and 76% of guesthouses, experienced a rise in business.
Fáilte Ireland chief executive, Shaun Quinn, said many businesses recorded their best season ever. However, he warned against complacency.
