VISITOR NUMBERS have fallen by about 3 per cent this year and Tourism Ireland has warned of a difficult year ahead.
The all-island tourism body expects that visitor numbers will have fallen to 8.8 million by the end of this year, mainly due to fewer tourists from the US and Britain.
Preliminary figures show a 6 to 7 per cent reduction in tourist numbers from the US and a fall of 2 per cent in numbers from Britain, according to Tourism Ireland chief executive Paul O'Toole.
"Europe as a whole will be flat, and all other markets, Australia and the rest of the world, will probably grow between 4 and 5 per cent [in 2008]," he said.
Mr O'Toole was speaking after Tourism Ireland unveiled its new €47 million marketing strategy yesterday. It includes a three-year advertising campaign with the slogan "Go where Ireland takes you".
Mr O'Toole said all the indicators were pointing to a more difficult year ahead because of weakening global economies. Fluctuating oil costs, the credit crunch and weakening consumer confidence had put severe pressure on access to Ireland this year.
"And it is anticipated that overall, airlines will further reduce access services, at least in the early part of next year," he said.
"While the outlook may appear tough, it is important to recognise that many people around the world will still want to take holidays."
Minister for Tourism Martin Cullen said Ireland could win new business next year "if we package, promote and deliver it to best effect".
He said he did not expect the new airport departure tax to have a major influence on choosing a holiday location.
"The tax issue is an issue but I don't think it is the determining factor," he said. "The cost of people now having to pay for their luggage on flights doesn't seem to bother them at all and it's a lot more than a €10 tax," he said.
However, Fine Gael tourism spokeswoman Olivia Mitchell said the Government was undermining the tourism plan by introducing the "foolhardy" airline tax.
"It is also worth noting that the Belgian government has cancelled plans to introduce a departure tax while Fianna Fáil steams ahead," she said.
And Ryanair described the marketing plan as "half-witted and hapless" in light of the departure tax. "No amount of marketing can hide the fact that, in 2009, Ireland will be a more expensive and therefore less attractive place to visit," Ryanair's Stephen McNamara said.
