Ireland Tourism Statistics

If you’re contemplating visiting Ireland, you needn’t think twice. The Emerald Isle has been named the friendliest country in the World, and it’s bursting with historical sites, natural wonders such as County Clare’s Cliffs of Moher, secluded beaches, vibrant festivals, and castles that look as if they’d stepped out of a fairytale.

Irish businesses in the tourism sector should keep up to date with the latest statistics and reports. Potential visitors may also find this data interesting to consider before visiting. This is why knowing about Ireland’s Tourism Statistics is essential.

Tourism is vital to the Irish economy, employing different businesses and industries and thousands of people. To estimate its importance, just look at a small statistic from 2017: the number of visitors throughout the year was 1.8 times more than Ireland’s population.

It’s no secret that the tourism sector in Ireland received a decisive blow with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic; lockdown was enforced, and people were advised to stay at home. The past few years have been tough on tourism; however, all hope is not lost. Most businesses have reopened, struggling but determined to make it, and many tourists are more than willing to travel again.

In this article, we will first discuss a necessary authority called Fáilte Ireland and its role in developing tourism in the Republic of Ireland. We will then discuss tourism statistics in Ireland, beginning with the current year and detailing statistics from each previous year back until 2014. We will also provide an outlook for the coming year where possible.

Fáilte Ireland

Fáilte Ireland is the name under which the National Tourism Development Authority of the Republic of Ireland operates. It is the largest Irish body responsible for promoting domestic tourism and developing the tourism sector as one of the main components of the Irish economy.

Did you know? Fáilte is the Irish word for ‘Welcome’!

The main goal of Fáilte is to promote the Republic of Ireland as a high-quality and highly competitive tourist destination by suggesting practical and strategic mechanisms. The authority works with individual tourist enterprises to better market themselves and boost the entire sector to maintain quality and profitability.

Fáilte Ireland’s role is to support long-term sustainable growth in tourism’s economic, social, cultural and environmental contribution to Ireland.

Fáilte Ireland’s main promotional activities can be divided into four categories:

1.    Tourism Marketing:

Fáilte Ireland supports different providers of Irish products, tour operators, marketing groups, handling agents and visitor services and offers a wide range of affordable promotional opportunities. Two festivals aim to boost tourism marketing under the sponsorship of Fáilte Ireland, known as the “Festivals and Cultural Events Initiative” and the “Sports Tourism Initiative”.

Fáílte Ireland is also responsible for domestic holiday marketing across four regional experience brands: 

• The Wild Atlantic Way
• Ireland’s Ancient East
• Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands 
• Dublin

2.    Training Services:

This is where advice and education are provided for everyone in the tourism industry. One of the most critical roles in this category is providing education opportunities for people who want to work in the tourism market. 

Fáilte Ireland has launched many important initiatives over the years to promote, encourage and support young people to pursue careers in the tourism industry. 

3.    Product Development:

This category involves the support given by Fáilte Ireland to products in the tourism industry through tax incentives, grant aids, and support for new and innovative services and products.

4.    Research and Statistics:

Fáilte Ireland conducts surveys to gather information, research, and statistics to create an overview of the tourism industry’s various aspects. This information is used to create a database to guide businesses in understanding, developing, and improving the industry’s multiple aspects.

Reviewing 2022 and ITIC’s Tourism Outlook for 2023 

The outlook for tourism in Ireland in 2022 was better than expected. We received a speedier and more robust recovery than initially anticipated. This is partly due to the pent-up demand, including deferred trips, amassed savings and the lifting of travel restrictions.

While optimistic, recovery is fragile.

Other issues include supply constraints, rising input costs, and a tight labour market, which may threaten the Sustainability of many tourism and hospitality businesses still trying to recover from the lockdown.

The ITIC provided three potential outlooks regarding the tourism industry 2023 and beyond. The most likely forecast suggests a softening in visitor numbers in 2023, followed by a gradual climb to pre-pandemic levels. 

The ITIC reiterated that while the recovery of overseas demand in 2022 exceeded expectations, this does not necessarily mean that 2023 will follow the same pattern. At the time of writing, evolving geopolitical and economic uncertainties threaten the tourism industry.

They also listed some Tailwinds and Headwinds. Tailwinds are the things which will help to promote tourism, while Headwinds are potential threats

Tailwinds:

• Rapid Recovery in 2022
• Covid Risk decreasing
• Restoration of Connectivity
• Pent Up Demand for travel 
• Household Savings

Headwinds:

• Conflict in Ukraine
• Energy Crisis
• Economic Downturn/Recession
• Labour Shortages
• Rising Input Costs

According to the World Bank’s September 2022 report, the global recession risk is increasing.

The Key Challenges facing tourism in 2023 are as follows:

• Rising Energy Costs
• Softening of Demand
• Labour Challenges
• Other Inputs

Raising prices proves to be a concern for many members.

• 52% of ITIC members expect a price increase of 0-10%, 28% anticipate a price increase of 10-15%, and 20% expect an increase of over 15%.
• Despite price increases, most businesses do not expect an increase in revenue next year compared to 2022. Less than 2 in 5 members expect an increase in sales.
• The complete recovery of inbound tourism is not expected until 2027, which is the most likely scenario.

Fáilte Ireland’s September 2022 Barometer listed many of the same reasons to be concerned/positive for 2023.
Fáilte Ireland also welcomed the tourism-specific and more comprehensive economic measures announced in Budget 2023.

Ireland Tourism Statistics 2022

Everyone entered 2022 with cautious optimism. Hopes of recovery and returning to a ‘new normal’ were mixed with uncertainty regarding the new COVID-19 variant Omicron, especially considering it was dubbed a more easily transmissible version of the original virus. However, businesses were eager to get back on track and make the necessary adjustments to ensure customer safety.

A report by the ITIC (Irish Tourism Industry Confederation) in 2022 titled “The Importance of Competitiveness: An Irish Tourism Analysis“ revealed that a complete recovery of the tourism sector in Ireland could be achieved in the upcoming four years. ITIC said they expect the number of visitors to only reach about 6 million, two-thirds of the numbers recorded back in 2019 before Covid. However, it was uneasy to expect the total revenue from these visits.

Demand has been slow and steady for 2022, yet this doesn’t indicate that growth issues will be overcome even in 2023. The new Omicron variant and worsening economic conditions concern the tourism sector’s recovery. Because of these reasons, the ITIC expects that reaching the same visitor numbers as 2019 is only achievable by 2025 or even 2026.

The SOAR (Situation and Outlook Analysis Report) released by Tourism Ireland reflects the challenging economic situation, especially the war in Ukraine and the continuous lockdowns enforced in China. This gruesome war is why the European Commission lowered its expectations for the Eurozone’s growth in 2022 from the previous 4.0% to only 2.7%.

While data released from OAG shows that the air seat capacity of air flights into the island of Ireland will likely reach about 91% of the previous level of July 2019, this is hit by the increasing inflation levels; this is mainly due to the inflation spread across Europe, the rising demand for overseas travelling, and the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions. Not to mention that sanctions imposed on Russia have increased fuel prices, including fuel for planes and cruise ships, which in turn caused a rise in ticket prices.

The latest research about consumer sentiment conducted by Tourism Ireland showed holidaymakers’ increasing confidence and comfort in travel. The study conducted in April 2022 showed consumers’ record comfort in going on holiday or a short break in Europe since the beginning of the pandemic since they’ve learnt how to cope with Covid-19. Sixty per cent of holidaymakers stated they couldn’t wait to get away, while a determined 50% said they would go away this year no matter the obstacles. However, many travellers from Great Britain and France noted that the high cost of living might hinder their plans to travel during 2022.

1. The CSO (Central Statistics Office) data shows that more than 1.5 million tourists arrived at the Island of Ireland’s air and sea ports in April 2022. This number includes residents of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Unfortunately, this number represents a 14% decrease from 2019.
2. A report by STR showed that hotel occupancy during April 2022 was 78%, only 1% less than in April 2019. The average daily spending rate was €145, representing a more than 26% increase from April 2019.
3. Based on recent data from the OAG, direct air access to the Island of Ireland can bounce back by July, with the Republic of Ireland returning to 92% of the July levels from 2019 and Northern Ireland returning to 85% of the levels from the same month.
4. The expected seat capacity is that of passengers from Great Britain and Mainland Europe, returning to 92% and 91% of the July levels of 2019, respectively. Seat capacity from North America and Other Areas will return to 89% and 71% of the July levels of 2019, respectively.
5. Access to the Island of Ireland is still volatile, mainly due to the progression of COVID-19, public health instructions in source markets, and the war in Ukraine. However, Dublin and Cork airports are expected to return to 92% and 93% of their 2019 seat capacity, respectively. Belfast City Airport is expected to surpass its previously anticipated seat capacity, moving from 43% to 80%. The only airport expected to surpass its 2019 seat capacity in ROI is Ireland West Airport Knock.
6. The 2022 numbers for cars travelling from Great Britain to the Island of Ireland through ferryboats have exceeded those of 2019. Traffic going into Northern Ireland reached a record 136% of the 2019 levels, while traffic through central and southern corridors of Ireland has already reached the 2019 levels.
7. According to STR reports, hotel occupancy in Northern Ireland increased by 5% in April 2022, while occupancy in the Republic of Ireland was 2% less than in April 2019.
8. In April 2022, the average daily rate (ADR) for a hotel room in Northern Ireland increased by more than 38%, reaching €103. In Belfast, the rate went up by more than 39%, reaching € 104, compared to the same period in 2019.
9. In the Republic of Ireland, the ADR increased by 24%, reaching € 148 in April 2022, compared to April 2019. In Dublin, the rate increased by more than 16%, reaching €154, compared to the same period in 2019.
10. 3 in 5 people predict travelling to Europe during 2022, while about one-fifth of people anticipate their next trip to Europe will have happened during June 2022. One-third of people anticipate travelling between July and December 2022 instead.
11. About half of the people expecting to travel during 2022 believe their upcoming holiday will be their main one for the year. While the other half said they were unsure if their forthcoming trip would be their main one, this indicates they might be up for more than one trip during 2022.
12. More than half, 52%, of people from Ireland’s main markets listed the increasing cost of living as the primary reason they might not travel during 2022. Visitors from Great Britain and France were found to be more sensitive regarding this matter, where the rising cost of living and shrinking amount of money to be spent are more likely to prevent one in four from travelling.
13. Visitors from the USA stated that the more decisive factor affecting their intention to travel is the conflict in Ukraine, which might prevent one in each five from travelling.
14. According to research by ITIC, 2 in 5 holidaymakers stated that the rising cost of living might be why they could skip travelling.
15. The ITIC research cites one crucial factor in determining the possibility of travel and the trip’s destination: value for money. Consumers will keep a close eye on the progression of prices throughout 2022 as they hold their hand more when it comes to spending.

The ITIC research on the competitiveness of the Irish tourism market cited nine recommendations that can help the recovery of the market and maintain its competitive edge. These recommendations are:

1.    The continuation of tourism investment as well as enhancing the cooperation between the public and private sectors:

Expectations about the upcoming budget in the Republic of Ireland include an increase in spending by 6.5% and measures for spending and taxes. Investment spending in the tourism sector must remain in the upcoming budget to help businesses stay afloat and face inflation.

The government must also continue working with the private sector to ensure that policies enable businesses to prosper this year and next.

2.    Tourism VAT must remain at 9% until the sector achieves full recovery:

Keeping the VAT tax low will significantly enhance Ireland’s competitiveness among other European countries. The reduced rate in the tourism and hospitality sectors proved to be a critical factor in keeping Ireland’s market competitive.

3.    Support Sustainability:

To help achieve Ireland’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 by 51%, there needs to be a complete package that includes training programs and financial and mentoring support to help companies in the tourism sector lower their carbon footprint. The current government programs in this field are directed at the manufacturing, agricultural, and food industries, but this needs to expand to include tourism businesses.

4.    Initiatives to meet shortages in the labour force:

Several positions in tourism businesses proved hard to fill even before the pandemic, so it was no surprise that the pandemic only heightened this problem.

Campaigns to promote careers in the tourism sector are one way of luring in labour forces. Another is amending regulations to allow hiring skilled foreigners when there’s a shortage of needed skills. Finally, providing training and upskilling for existing staff is another way of keeping them for more extended periods.

5.    Hotel Capacity:

Since almost 15% of the hotel room stock has been contracted with the government for humanitarian purposes, it’s only appropriate to introduce proper accommodation to asylum seekers and refugees. In doing so, reintroducing these hotel rooms and the almost 3,000 rooms under construction should make up for the shortage of hotel rooms in the Irish tourism market.

6.    Insurance Reform:

The pace of insurance reform to cover many businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector couldn’t have been slower. Only the recent reduction in the insurance premiums of private motors gives a glimpse of hope, but it’s not enough. According to the Alliance for Insurance Reform, over 20 businesses working in the tourism industry’s subsectors are struggling to get insurance coverage, or their only option is to get under one underwriter who monopolises the sector. The government needs to speed up insurance reform for businesses in the tourism sector.

7.    Enhance Tourism retail offered to Great Britain Visitors:

After Brexit, the EU scheme allows visitors from Great Britain to shop in their markets without taxes. However, tourists from Northern Ireland are not included in this scheme, meaning they still buy the goods with the tax included. Almost all European countries that receive significant numbers of visitors from Great Britain have applied this tax-free scheme, which has increased spending by these tourists on other areas such as hotels, restaurants, or car hire.

Unfortunately, this is not the case in the Republic of Ireland, where visitors from Great Britain will still pay the shopping tax. This makes the Irish market widely unattractive for visitors from Great Britain and damages the market’s competitiveness. The ITIC recommends removing these restrictions, allowing tourists from Great Britain to shop in Ireland tax-free, making the Irish market more appealing to Britons.

8.    Increasing supply of Car Rentals:

Since many are severely understocked, car rental companies will need time to restock their fleets to reach the same levels before the pandemic. The government’s abolishment of the VRT reliefs on short-term car rentals is a temporary incentive for the companies to rebuild.

9.    More investment in data, marketing and research:

During this time of hardship for the tourism sector, it’s imperative to take this opportunity to invest more in data collection, analysis and research to understand better the performance of the market, demand, visitor behaviour and economic impacts, as well as identify opportunities, vulnerabilities and potential risks.

The tourism industry’s recovery requires good planning, strategies, and targeting campaigns to achieve the best potential value. Understanding these factors will help improve business planning.

Ireland Tourism Statistics 2021

The vision regarding the tourism industry’s recovery during 2020 was foggy; despite the hopes for recovery, a second wave of COVID-19 hit Ireland by the end of 2020. During most of 2021, many businesses and establishments received monetary and government aid to stay solvent. However, along came the Omicron variant of the Coronavirus, and fears of the increasing number of infections increased once again.

The following statistics are part of the Tourism Barometer conducted by Fáilte Ireland in November 2021, before the Omicron variant was discovered and new health measures were put in force. The barometer clarifies where the industry stands and gives a brief outlook for expectations for 2022. Fáilte could better assess the help needed in the upcoming year through this research.

Fáilte Ireland gathered the information for this barometer by designing a questionnaire that was later set up online through an independent research agency called Strategic Research and Insight or SRI. These are the results that came back in response to the questionnaire, giving an insight into the Ireland Tourism Statistics for 2021:

1. There was a 33% drop in the turnover in 2021 compared to 2019.
2. Establishments that were more dependent on internal tourism had it worse than other establishments, and they had a worse turnover in 2021 compared to 2019.
3. Businesses that resumed work at total capacity saw a lower turnover of only 5%.
4. Almost a third of those working in the tourism industry in 2021 were newly appointed, compared to a fifth of the workforce in 2020.
5. Recruitment and retention are among the many challenges facing the tourism industry and are yet to be overcome for the following year.
6. Irish holidaymakers started bookings for 2022, a hopeful move for tourism recovery. Most holidaymakers were families who would have travelled abroad if it weren’t for the travelling restrictions. Some operators revealed that many holiday dates were booked faster than other dates.
7. When observing the booking-in-advance behaviour, it was noticed that booked journeys were longer, some were booked way in advance, and consumers were ready to spend more money.
8. Cancellation risks for overseas visitors were considered higher, making it less likely to attract many visitors from abroad. Notably, cancellation refunds and/or insurance are unavailable in all booking cases.
9. Despite the risks, 62% of operators stated they received bookings from US customers for the upcoming year of 2022, while 52% stated they received bookings from Great Britain.
10. Regarding business survival, 27% of businesses stated they were “very confident” they’ll be able to survive for the upcoming 12 months, while 47% were only “fairly confident” they’ll survive.
11. Businesses, in general, stated that the top factor they will have to work with in the upcoming year is the containment of COVID-19. This will allow them to benefit from the increased demand and compensate for their losses in case of fewer or no travel restrictions. The second factor is operational challenges, such as staff shortages and rising costs.
12. The majority, 79%, of businesses reopened for work before August 2021. This percentage was divided into 87% of accommodation businesses reopened before August, while only 72% of non-accommodation businesses reopened before August.
13. Some businesses stated they hadn’t received any requests or customers yet because they depended on domestic tourism and event organising, so they hadn’t reopened yet. Those businesses included inbound tour operators, about a quarter of the tour guides, coach operators, and event organisers. They stated that they would reopen in the future, however.
14. While reopening was undoubtedly a good sign, 47% of businesses had to reopen with less than half their original operating capacity.
15. Self-catering businesses have the best capacity levels since 29% of these businesses could operate at their total capacity.
16. Other businesses suffered a decisive blow. Only 60% could reopen with only 25% of their original capacity. These businesses were mainly in the tour guides, inbound, and coach sectors.
17. Most businesses had a positive outlook for 2022, where they planned to operate with fewer restrictions on their total capacity.
18. About 19% of businesses stated that they’ll be looking for changes due to the evolution of COVID-19 and whether there will be any new restrictive or health measures.
19. It’s no secret that all businesses wanted control over COVID-19 to operate at total capacity and meet incoming demand.
20. Seventy-eight percent of businesses stated they were taking bookings for the upcoming year of 2022. The majority said that from April 2022, the forecast looked to be promising.
21. Many businesses and sectors had promising future bookings for 2022. However, their optimism mainly depended on the evolution of COVID-19.
22. While domestic tourists helped keep the tourism sector afloat during the pandemic, businesses have wondered if this boom will continue in 2022 since the end of 2019, 2020, and most of 2021. Domestic tourists travelling abroad would depend more on overseas tourists returning to the island.
23. The gap between the two markets, the declining domestic market and the recovery of the overseas market, is a significant cause of concern for the entire tourism sector. However, many operators stated they had bookings for 2022 from tourists from the USA and Great Britain. Many bookings were postponed from 2020 and moved up to 2021.
24. While it might not seem possible, COVID-19 had some positive impacts in some aspects. Ninety-six percent of all operators stated that COVID changed their business method. Higher hygiene standards are now imposed so guests enjoy an extra-clean stay. Businesses didn’t focus much on online presence, but that changed during the pandemic; 65% of activity providers and attractions have now improved their online presence.
25. Almost a third of businesses, especially those in the Food and Drink industry, exploited the idea of having outdoor spaces. Nearly half of the hotel, pub, restaurant and café sectors did this.
26. There was a 15.1% decrease in the number of overseas visitors in November 2021, where only 785,800 visitors arrived in Ireland, compared to October.

It’s important to remember that the previous numbers were all recorded before the Omicron variant was discovered, ironically in November 2021, the same month this barometer was conducted. Unfortunately, after Omicron, the tourism sector incurred further losses, amounting to €17 million a day. In December 2021 alone, the tourism sector lost about €400 million.

Ireland Tourism Statistics 2020

Lockdown. This is one word that changed life as we knew it. By the end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020, everything suffered after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Restrictions were imposed as a health and safety measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and tourism, travelling, and hospitality were among many affected sectors worldwide.

So, it’s unsurprising that every aspect of Irish tourism significantly decreased in 2020. However, some tourists could come to Ireland to enjoy their long-booked visits. We also saw more ROI residents vacationing in their home country. These are the Ireland Tourism Statistics for the ominous year 2020:

1. The most significant decrease in the number of tourists was between March 2020 and April of the same year. The number of tourists was 635,000 for March and 16,100 for April.
2. The number of tourists visiting Ireland decreased by 77.1% compared to 2019. This brings the record 19 million visitors 2019 down to just 4.3 million in 2020.
3. With the approach of summer and the third quarter, tourist numbers began to increase slightly, with the most significant number being 362,600 in August 2020. However, the numbers went down again due to the second wave of COVID-19 hitting the World. The previous increases were mainly due to the easing of precautionary restrictions imposed by the Irish government to combat the pandemic and the assumption that most people tend to travel more during the summer.
4. The most significant number of tourists coming to Ireland in 2020 was from Great Britain, despite a 75.2% drop in the total number of tourists.
5. The two most affected markets for overseas visitors to Ireland were the USA, with an 84.7% drop, and Portugal, with an 82.5% drop.
6. Many tourists from Spain came to Ireland despite the 82.1% decrease in their numbers compared to 2019. Their number will be 399,500 in 2020.
7. Germany accounted for 243,000 in 2020, compared to 1.2 million in 2019.
8. France accounted for a total number of 229,700 in 2020, in comparison to 1.15 million in 2019.

Tourism Ireland has estimated that it will take about five years for the tourism sector to fully recover from the effect COVID-19 had on the industry, according to TI’s Chief Executive Niall Gibbons. To this effect, a massive campaign for Irish tourism will need to get underway as soon as the health and pandemic situation allows.

Gibbons said their main focus in the upcoming period will be on markets closer to home, such as Great Britain and Mainland Europe. However, at least tourists from long-haul markets, such as the USA, were not expected until 2022.

On the other hand, Fáilte Ireland’s Chief Executive Paul Kelly stated that the tourism sector was in grave danger due to the increasing number of insolvencies throughout the year, which was likely to increase after the Christmas season. Kelly stated that government support was not enough to steer the sector out of danger’s way.

Ireland Tourism Statistics 2019

Many aspects of the tourist scene 2019 slightly increased from the previous year. However, 2019 was the last strong year for Irish tourism before the COVID-19 pandemic hit hard; restrictions had to be imposed on everything, and travelling was no exception. Even if small, growth is still growth and new records were also set in 2019.

These are the latest Ireland Tourism Statistics for 2019:

1. The number of overseas visitors increased by 1% in 2019, with more than 100,000 additional visitors, bringing the total to 11.3 million, or more than 19 million.
2. The total revenue from tourists on the Island of Ireland in 2019 reached €8.9 billion.
3. Residents of the Republic of Ireland took 12.4 million trips in 2019 and accounted for €2.3 billion of the total revenue, representing 26% of the total revenue generated by tourists in 2019.
4. Residents of Northern Ireland took 3.6 million trips in 2019, accounting for €759 million of the total revenue, or 9% of the total revenue generated in 2019.
5. The majority, 42% of overseas visitors, came from Great Britain, 15% from the USA, 7% from Germany, and 5% from France. Combined, they represent about 70% of the total overseas visitors.
6. For the first year in the consecutive growth years, there was a 0% increase in overseas spending, with the count remaining at €5.9 billion, the same as in 2018.
7. For the second consecutive year, visitors from the USA accounted for 27% of the overall overseas spending, while visitors from Great Britain accounted for 25%, visitors from Germany accounted for 8%, and visitors from France accounted for 5%. They represent about two-thirds or 65% of the total overseas spending.
8. The number of visitors coming to the island for the holiday increased by 1%, with more than 34,000 more visitors, which brings their total to 50% of the total number of visitors.
9. About one-third or 32% came to the island to visit family and friends, one-seventh or 14% of visitors came for business purposes while 4% came for other reasons.
10. The number of promotable visitors did not significantly increase in 2019; it remained slightly over 6 million.
11. The total number of nights spent by overseas visitors decreased by 1% to 82 million nights.
12. The average number of nights spent depended on the purpose of the visit. Holidaymakers spent an average of 6.2 nights, those visiting family and friends spent an average of 7.1 nights, those visiting for business purposes spent an average of 6.2 nights and those visiting for other reasons, such as learning English, had a distinguishably extended stay of 25.3 nights.
13. The second quarter of the year was the only quarter in 2019 to witness an increase in the number of nights spent on the Island of Ireland.
14. The third quarter, from July to September, was, as usual, the busiest one. It accounted for 34% of the total number of nights in the entire year and 41% of the total number of holiday nights spent.
15. Holidaymakers account for the majority, 58%, of overseas visitors’ total spending. Those visiting family and friends account for 20% of the total expenditure, those visiting for business purposes account for 15%, and those visiting for other reasons account for 7%.
16. The majority, 37% of the total spending, went on Food and Drink, 29% on Bed and Board, an equal 13% on Shopping and Internal Transport, 6% on Sightseeing and Entertainment, and the remaining 3% on various things.
17. The majority, 29% of visitors, stayed at a family’s or friends’ place during their visit; 21% said they booked a hotel room; 19% rented a place such as a lodge, a villa or a cottage; 9% said they stayed at a Guesthouse or B&B while 21% said they stayed at another accommodation.
18. The majority, 59%, of overseas visitors stayed in the capital, Dublin, during their visit, 21% stayed in the South West, and 20% remained in Northern Ireland.
19. The majority, 65% of overseas holidaymakers, belonged to the White Collar socio-economic group, 24% to the Managerial and Professional group, 8% to the Skilled Worker Group, and 2% to the Unskilled Worker group.
20. The majority, 31% of holidaymakers, spent an average of 1 to 3 nights, 26% spent an average of 6 to 8 nights, and 21% spent an average of 4 to 5 nights.
21. The majority, 26% of holidaymakers, were between 25 and 34, 16% were between 55 and 64, and 15% were between 16 and 24 years old.
22. The majority, 67% of holidaymakers, stated it was their first time visiting the Island of Ireland, 31% said they’d been to the island before, while 2% said they were born there.
23. Despite the slight growth of tourism in the Island of Ireland in 2019, it was much less, at 0.9%, than the growth of the World, with more than 4.0%, and Europe, with more than 3.9%.
24. The slight increase in the number of overseas visitors to the Island of Ireland in 2019 did not translate into an increase in revenue. The change for Ireland was minus 0.2%, while the World saw a rise of more than 6.5%, as did Europe, which saw an increase of more than 5.6%.

Ireland Tourism Statistics 2018

This year is another record year for Irish tourism, with many previous records broken and new records set, including the overall number of tourists, overseas tourists, amount of spending, and number of holidaymakers. Twenty-eighteen is considered the eighth year of consecutive growth of Irish tourism and the fourth year of record-breaking.

These are the latest Ireland Tourism Statistics for 2018:

1. There was a 5% increase in the number of overseas tourists, with more than 570,000 more tourists in comparison to 2017, which brings the total of overseas tourists for 2018 to 11.2 million.
2. Residents of the Republic of Ireland took 11.5 million trips in 2018, accounting for €2.1 billion of the total spending.
3. Residents of Northern Ireland took 3.5 million trips in 2018, accounting for €734 million of the total spending.
4. The majority, 42% of overseas visitors, came from Great Britain, 16% from the USA, 7% from Germany, and 5% from France. They represent 70% of the total number of overseas visitors to the Island of Ireland in 2018.
5. The total spending of overseas visitors increased by 5% in 2018, to €287 million more than in 2017, bringing the total expenditure to €5.9 billion.
6. For the first time in many years, 28% of overseas visitors from the USA spend more than those from Great Britain, who spend 24%. Visitors from Germany spend 8% of the total overseas spending, while visitors from France spend 5%. Combined, they represent about two-thirds, or 65%, of the total spending by overseas visitors.
7. The number of holidaymakers increased by 11% in 2018, with more than 557,000 more holidaymakers than in 2017. These holidaymakers account for 50% of overseas visitors to the Island of Ireland.
8. About one-third, or 33%, of overseas visitors to the Island of Ireland came to visit family and friends, about one-seventh, or 14%, came for business purposes, and 4% for other reasons.
9. There was a 10% increase in the number of promotable visitors from abroad, with more than 532,000 than 2017, this brings their total number in 2018 to more than 6 million.
10. The average amount of money spent by overseas visitors per trip was €524.
11. The average nights spent by overseas visitors was 7.4 nights, while holidaymakers usually stayed for 6.4 nights.
12. The total number of nights spent by visitors increased by 3%, bringing the total number of nights spent in 2018 to 82.8 million.
13. The staple markets for Irish tourism remain the same: Great Britain, the USA, Germany, and France. Together, they account for 70% of the total number of overseas visitors, 60% of the total nights spent on the Island of Ireland, 69% of the total number of holidaymakers and holiday spending, and 65% of the total overseas expenditure.
14. Due to the effort of expanding into other markets, the figures for the previous four markets have decreased compared to some prior years. They accounted for 74% in 2008 and even 83% in 2003.
15. The USA, Canada, and Australia are considered long-haul markets and are among the top 10 consistent markets for overseas visitors to the island.
16.  In terms of growth volume, the fastest-growing markets were the US market, with more than 228,000 tourists, Germany, with more than 116,000 tourists, Great Britain, with more than 64,000 tourists, Italy, with more than 32,000 tourists, and Switzerland, with more than 20,000 tourists.
17. Regarding growth rate, the fastest growing markets were Luxembourg with more than 53%, Brazil with more than 27%, Austria with more than 21%, Switzerland with more than 18%, Germany with more than 17% and the USA with more than 14%.
18. The majority, 58%, of the total overseas spending came from holidaymakers. Those visiting family and friends account for 20% of the total overseas spending, those visiting for business purposes account for 15%, and those visiting for other reasons account for 7%.
19. The majority, 36%, of overseas visitors’ total spending went on food and drink, 30% on bed and board, and shopping and internal transport account for 13% each. In comparison, 6% went on sightseeing and entertainment, and the remaining 2% went on to do various other things.
20. The majority, 29% of overseas visitors stayed at a family’s or friends’ place during their visit, 21% booked a hotel room, 19% rented a place such as a cottage or villa, 9% stayed at a Guesthouse or B&B, and the remaining 21% said they stayed in other types of accommodation.
21. The majority, 56%, of overseas visitors stayed in the capital, Dublin; 22% remained in the South West, while 20% stayed in Northern Ireland.
22. The majority, 69% of overseas holidaymakers, stayed in the capital city, Dublin, 33% in the South West, and 26% in the West.
23. As in previous years, the majority, 60% of holidaymakers, belonged to the White Collar socio-economic group, while 28% belonged to the Managerial and Professional group, 9% belonged to the Skilled Worker group, and 3% belonged to the Unskilled Worker group.
24. The majority, 29% of overseas holidaymakers, stayed an average of 1 to 3 nights, while 28% of visitors stayed for 6 to 8 nights.
25. The majority, 23%, of overseas visitors were between the ages of 25 and 34, 17% were between 16 and 24, 17% were between 55 and 64, and 15% were between 45 and 54.
26. The majority, 66% of overseas holidaymakers, stated it was their first time visiting the Island of Ireland. 32% said they’d been to the island before, while 2% said they were born there.
27. The growth in the number of overseas tourists on the Island of Ireland in 2018, at more than 5.4%, has been seemingly parallel to that of the World, at more than 5.6%, and that of Europe, at more than 5.8%.

Ireland Tourism Statistics 2017

After continuous growth in the Irish tourism sector for the past seven years, beating growth in Europe and the World, the numbers show that most of the previous records were broken in 2017. In particular, the influx of overseas tourists increased significantly this year, with almost half the number of visitors to the Island of Ireland in 2017.

So, here are the latest Ireland Tourism Statistics for 2017:

1. There was a 3% increase in overseas visitors, with more than 300,000 more visitors than in 2016, bringing the total number of overseas visitors to more than 10.6 million in 2017.
2. The majority, 44% of overseas visitors, came from Great Britain, 15% from the USA, 6% from Germany, and 5% from France. Together, they represent 70% of the total number of visitors to the Island of Ireland in 2017.
3. The total revenue from tourists on the Island of Ireland in 2017 was a record-breaking €8.2 billion.
4. Residents of the Republic of Ireland accounted for 10.1 million trips in 2017 and €2.0 billion of the total spending, representing a 24% increase from 2016.
5. Residents of Northern Ireland accounted for 3.5 million trips in 2017 and €684 million of the total spending, representing an 8% increase from 2016.
6. With more than €312 million more spent by overseas visitors in 2017, this brings the total expenditure by overseas visitors to €5.6 billion, representing a 6% increase in revenue from the previous year.
7. Visitors from Great Britain and the USA each contributed 25% of overseas visitor spending in 2017, visitors from Germany contributed 7%, and visitors from France contributed 6%. Combined, they contributed two-thirds, or 63%, of the total spending by overseas visitors.
8. The majority, 48% of overseas visitors, came to the Island of Ireland for a holiday, with over 346,000 more visitors than in 2016, which means there was a 7% increase in the number of holidaymakers this year.
9. About one-third, or 34%, of overseas visitors came to the Island of Ireland to visit family and friends; one-sixth or 15%, of overseas visitors came for business purposes, while 4% stated they came for other reasons.
10. There was a 7% increase in promotable visitors in 2017, with more than 369,000 more visitors than in 2016, bringing their total number to more than 5.5 million promotable visitors.
11. The average amount of money spent by overseas visitors per trip was €525.
12. The average number of nights spent by overseas visitors on the Island of Ireland was 7.6, while holidaymakers spent an average of 6.5.
13. The number of nights visitors spent on the Island of Ireland increased by 3%, to more than 80.6 million nights.
14. Visitors to the Island of Ireland for holidays account for 54% of the total spending. Visitors to visit family and friends account for 22%, visitors for business purposes account for 16%, and those visiting for other reasons account for 8%.
15. The majority, 36% of the total spending, went on Food and Drink, 29% on Bed and Board, 14% on Shopping, 12% on Internal Transport, 7% on Sightseeing and Entertainment, and the remaining 2% on various stuff.
16. The majority, 30% of overseas visitors, said they stayed at a family or relative’s place during their visit to the Island of Ireland, 19% said they booked a hotel room, 19% also said they rented out a place, 8% said they stayed at a Guesthouse or B&B. In comparison, 24% said they stayed in other accommodations.
17. The majority, 56% of overseas visitors, stayed in the capital city of Dublin during their visit, 23% stayed in the South West and 20% remained in Northern Ireland.
18. The majority, 68% of overseas holidaymakers, stayed in the capital city of Dublin during their visit, 35% stayed in the South West and 27% remained in the West.
19. The majority, 59% of overseas visitors, belonged to the White Collar socio-economic group, 27% to the Managerial and Professional group, 10% to the Skilled Worker group, and 4% to the Unskilled Worker group.
20. The majority, 26%, of overseas visitors were between the ages of 25 and 34, 17% were between the ages of 16 and 24, and 16% were between the ages of 45 and 54.
21. Sixty-seven per cent of overseas visitors said it was their first time visiting the Island of Ireland, while 31% said they’d been to the island before, and 2% said they were born there.
22. For the first time in five years, the growth in the number of overnight tourists in the World, with more than 6.8%, and Europe, with more than 8.2%, outpaced that of Ireland, which was only 2.9%.

Ireland Tourism Statistics 2016

To say 2016 was a record-breaking year for the tourism sector in the Island of Ireland is an understatement. Not only has the previous number of visitors surpassed, but the total revenue generated during these trips has increased significantly. This year has been another year in which the promotions and campaigns run by Tourism Ireland and the Ministry of Transport, Tourism and Sport have proven successful.

Here are the latest Ireland Tourism Statistics for 2016:

1. The total number of overseas visitors to the Island of Ireland increased by 9% in 2016, with 834,000 more visitors than the previous year; the total number of visitors surpassed 10.3 million in 2016.
2. The majority, 47% of overseas visitors, came from Great Britain, 13% from the United States, 6% from Germany, and 5% from France. Combined, they represent three-quarters of the total number of overseas visitors to the Island of Ireland in 2016.
3. These overseas visitors spent more than €446 more than in 2015, bringing the total spending for 2016 to a staggering €5.3 billion.
4. The majority—28%—of overseas spending came from Great Britain, 23% from the United States, 8% from visitors from Germany, and 5% from France. Combined, they accounted for two-thirds of all overseas revenue in 2016.
5. The total revenue generated in the tourism sector in 2016 reached a record high of €7.8 billion.
6. Residents of the Republic of Ireland made 9.7 million trips and €1.9 billion in 2016, representing a 24% increase from the previous year.
7. Northern Ireland residents made 3.3 million trips and €661 million in 2016, an 8% increase from the previous year.
8. The number of holidaymakers visiting the Island of Ireland increased by 10% from 2015, with more than 416,000 more visitors representing 46% of the total number of overseas visitors to the island in 2016.
9. About one-third, or 35%, of overseas visitors said they came to the island to visit family and friends, 16% said they came for business, and 4% cited other reasons.
10. Promotable visitors increased by 9% in 2016, with more than 425,000 more visitors compared to 2015, bringing their total number to more than 5 million.
11. The average amount of money spent by overseas visitors was €515 per trip in 2016.
12. The average number of nights spent by overseas visitors in 2016 was 7.6 nights, while holidaymakers spent an average of 6.6 nights.
13. The number of nights spent by overseas visitors on the Island of Ireland increased by 8% in 2016, bringing the total number to more than 78.3 million nights, a whopping 20% increase over the past 10 years.
14. The majority, 53% of tourism revenue generated in 2016 was generated by visitors on holiday in the island, followed by 23% of visitors visiting family and friends, 16% by visitors who came for business purposes and 8% by those visiting for other purposes.
15. The majority, 34%, of overseas visitors’ spending was on Food and Drink, 32% on Bed and Board, 13% on Shopping, 12% on Internal Transport, 6% on Sightseeing and Entertainment, and the remaining 3% on other things.
16. The majority, 30% of overseas visitors, stated they stayed at family’s and friends’ accommodation during their visit, 27% said they booked a hotel room, 14% rented a unit like a cottage or a villa, 11% stayed at a Guesthouse or B&B, and 18% said they had other accommodations.
17. The majority, 55%, of overseas visitors stayed in the capital city, Dublin, while 21% remained in Northern Ireland, and 20% stayed in the South West.
18. The majority, 68%, of holidaymakers stayed in the capital, Dublin, while 32% remained in the South West and 25% stayed in the West.
19. The majority, 38%, of promotable visitors came from Mainland Europe, 35% from Great Britain, 21% from the United States, and 6% from all over the World.
20. As with previous years, the majority, 57% of holidaymakers visiting the Island of Ireland, belonged to the White Collar socio-economic group. Meanwhile, 30% belonged to the Managerial and Professional Group, 10% to the Skilled Worker group, and 3% to the Unskilled Worker group.
21. Like the years before, the majority, 24% of overseas visitors, were between the ages of 25 and 34, 17% for both age groups of 16 to 24 and 45 to 54.
22. When asked whether this was their first time visiting the Island of Ireland, 63% of visitors said yes, while 34% said they’d been to the island before and 3% said they were born there.
23. Growth in the number of overseas visitors to the Island of Ireland in 2016 reached 8.8%, more than in Europe, which stood at 1.6% and the whole World, which stood at 3.6%.

Ireland Tourism Statistics 2015

This year was one of the best years for the tourism sector in the Island of Ireland, with several campaigns run by Tourism Ireland that helped greatly promote the island as a competitive tourist destination. Starting from the filming of MasterChef Italia of the isle to sponsoring the Irish team in the Cricket World Cup and the worldwide celebrations for St. Patrick’s Day, where Rome’s Colosseum, Edinburgh Castle and Paris’ Sacré Cœur basilica were lit in green to celebrate the saint, in one of the broadest promotional campaigns for Irish tourism.

So, here are the latest Ireland Tourism Statistics for 2015:

1. The number of overseas visitors to the Island of Ireland increased 12% in 2015, with more than 1 million additional visitors than in 2014. This brings the total number of overseas visitors to the Island of Ireland in 2015 to 9.5 million.
2. The majority, 47% of overseas visitors, came from Great Britain, 13% from the USA, 7% from Germany, and 5% from France. Combined, they represent about three-quarters of the total number of overseas visitors.
3. The spending by overseas visitors in 2015 increased by 17%, to more than €721 million more than in 2014. This brings the total expenditure of overseas visitors to the Island of Ireland in 2015 to €4.9 billion.
4. Most overseas visitors’ spending came from Great Britain, with 28%, followed by 23% from the USA, 8% from Germany, and 5% from France. Together, they represent two-thirds of the total overseas spending by visitors to the island of Ireland in 2015.
5. The number of visitors coming to the island of Ireland for holidays increased by 19%, with more than two-fifths of visitors, or 45% of the total number of visitors, in 2015. This means there were more than 680,000 more visitors than in 2014.
6. About one-third, or 34%, of visitors visited Ireland to visit family and friends, and about one-sixth, or 16%, went to the island for business reasons. Another 4% stated they visited the island for other reasons.
7. The number of promotable visitors increased by 16% in 2015, with more than 658,000 more visitors than in 2014. This brings the total number in 2015 to more than 4.7 million promotable visitors.
8. The average spending per trip for each visitor from overseas was €520 per trip.
9. The average time overseas visitors spent was 7.6 nights, while holidaymakers spent 6.6 nights.
10. The number of overseas holidaymakers increased 19%, reaching more than 4.3 million in 2015.
11. The number of nights visitors spent on the Island of Ireland increased by 11% to more than 72.3 million in 2015.
12. Visitors who came to the island for holidays accounted for 52% of the total spending of 2015, while visitors visiting family and friends accounted for 23%, followed by 17% for visitors who came for business and those visiting for other reasons only accounted for 8% of the total spending.
13. The total expenditure of overseas visitors can be divided as follows: 33% of the expenditure went on Food and Drinks, 30% on Bed and Board, 14% on shopping, 12% on Internal Transport, 7% on sightseeing and Entertainment, and the remaining 4% on varied things.
14. The majority, 31%, of overseas visitors stayed with family and friends while visiting the Island of Ireland. 27% booked hotel rooms, 14% rented entire units such as a cottage or villa, and 10% stayed in a Guesthouse or B&B. In comparison, the remaining 10% said they stayed elsewhere.
15. The majority, 52% of visitors to the Island of Ireland, stayed in the capital, Dublin, 22% in the South West, and 21% in Northern Ireland.
16. The majority, 66%, of holidaymakers visiting the Island of Ireland stayed in the capital city, Dublin, followed by 33% staying in the South West and 26% staying in the West of the island.
17. The majority, 38% of holidaymakers visiting the Island of Ireland in 2015, came from Mainland Europe, 34% from Great Britain, 22% from the United States, and 6% from all over the World.
18. The majority, 39% of promotable visitors, came from Mainland Europe, 34% from Great Britain, 20% from the United States, and 6% from all over the World.
19. The majority, 55%, of overseas visitors to the Island of Ireland in 2015 were from the White Collar socio-economic group, 28% from the Managerial and Professional group, 13% from the Skilled Worker group, and 3% from the Unskilled Worker group.
20. The majority, 24%, of overseas visitors to the Island of Ireland in 2015 were in the age group of 25 to 34, 18% between the ages of 45 to 54, followed by 16% between the ages of 16 and 24 and 14% between the ages of 55 and 64.
21. When asked whether this was their first time visiting the Island of Ireland, 60% of visitors confirmed it was their first visit, 37% said they’d been to the island before, while 3% stated they were born on the island.

Tourism Ireland was still preparing several more campaigns to kick off the 2016 tourist season and continue the growth from 2015.

Ireland Tourism Statistics 2014

Tourism in Ireland saw another boom during 2014, be it the number of visitors, the amount of money spent, or even the average spending for the length of the trips. Here are the latest Ireland Tourism Statistics for 2014, issued by the Tourism Ireland organisation responsible for promoting the island as a tourist destination.

1. The total number of visitors by the end of 2014 increased by 6%, reaching 8.4 million, with more than half a million more visitors than the previous year.
2. The majority, 48% of international visitors, came from Great Britain, 13% from the USA, 7% from Germany, and 5% from France. Combined, they all represent about three-quarters of the total visitor count in 2014.
3. International tourists spent a whopping €4.1 billion, representing a 6% increase in global spending and more than €246 million more than the previous year.
4. The majority—30%—of the international spending came from tourists from Great Britain, 23% from the USA, 8% from Germany, and 5% from France. Combined, they represent two-thirds of the total overseas tourist revenue in 2014.
5. The most significant number, 43% of tourists visiting the Republic of Ireland, was for holidays, about two-fifths of the total number of tourists in 2014. This represents an 8% increase, with more than 280,000 more tourists than in 2013.
6. Thirty-seven percent of tourists visited the Republic to visit friends and family, more than one-third of the total number of visitors. About one-fifth, or 16%, visited for business reasons. Four percent stated they visited the Republic of Ireland for other reasons.
7. The average spending per trip for overseas visitors was €492 in 2014.
8. The average trip length for overseas visitors was 7.7 nights, while visitors who came on holiday spent an average of 6.7 nights.
9. The most popular tourist destinations on the Island of Ireland were Dublin, the South West, and Northern Ireland.
10. The number of promotable visitors visiting the island increased by 7% in 2014, with more than 256,000 more visitors, bringing the total number of promotable visitors to more than 4 million compared to 2013.
11. The number of nights visitors spent on the island increased by 7% in 2014, bringing the total to more than 65 million nights.
12. When it comes to where visitors stayed during their visits, 33% remained at a friend’s or a relative’s place, 25% booked hotel rooms, 14% rented a place to stay, such as a villa or a cottage, 9% stayed at Guesthouses and B&Bs, and the remaining 18% said other places.
13. Most visitors, 49%, stayed in Dublin on the Island of Ireland. The following places were the South West and Northern Ireland, with 26% and 21%, respectively.
14. Most holidaymakers, 62%, stayed in Dublin on the Island of Ireland during their holiday. The following places were the South West and the West, with 41% and 29%, respectively.
15. The majority, about 50% of visitors to the Island of Ireland in 2014, belonged to the White Collar socio-economic group, followed by 32% of the Managerial Professional group, 14% of the Skilled Worker group and 4% of the Unskilled Worker group.
16. When asked whether this was their first visit to the Island of Ireland, 59% of respondents said it was their first time, 39% said they’d been there before, while 2% revealed they were born there.
17. The dominating age group of visitors to the Island of Ireland was between 25 and 34 years old, with 20%, followed by the 45 to 54 age group, with 18%, and the 55 to 64 age group, with 17%.

After this ride through Irish tourism statistics, it’s clear that everyone in the tourism industry is trying their best, and if you continue to work, it will soon pay off!