While last year was a record year for Irish tourism with the 22.6 million visitors to key attractions in Ireland contributing €489m in revenues to the Irish economy, this year is due to experience a 10 per cent fall in revenue, the chairman of the Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions (AVEA) Paul Carty (above) of the Guinness Storehouse has said.
Speaking at the annual AVEA conference in Thomond Park in Limerick, Carty called on the government to support the tourism sector to combat Brexit, insurance premium concerns, and international market competitiveness. Incoming AVEA chairman Niall O’Callaghan of Shannon Heritage said sadly 2019 has not lived up to visitor expectations so far.
“Clouds are gathering on the horizon for Irish tourism,” O’Callaghan said. “Now is the time for a close working relationship with government to realise how a championed VEA sector can play an even greater role in neutralising some of these obvious challenges. Tourism is a vital part of the economy, creating jobs in rural Ireland where other industries aren’t located.”
Grainne Kelliher, CEO of Airfield estate and vice-chair of AVEA, said attractions are rooted in Ireland’s cultural heritage and have survived countless generations; their ongoing prosperity is part of delivering the country’s history. Delegates heard from James Bailey, marketing director, Longleat House & Safari Park and entrepreneur and Newstalk host Bobby Kerr.
