Ireland working hard to improve tourism
Filed Under Ireland
Ireland is currently experiencing a downturn in its tourism. The number of tourists dropped by 3% last year as Sterling and the US dollar are experiencing trouble in keeping up with the Euro. The number would even increase to as much as 8% as most experts agree that the slump of up to 5% will be experienced in 2009. The figure is in fact; a little bit optimistic which means the figures will be a little bit higher if the current economic setting will get worst. The 3% loss meant €300 Million for the government and businesses – a small percentage but has millions of implications.
But even with the losses, the government is confident that it will be able to sustain the tourism industry. Next year projections of tourism are fairly positive in terms of local tourism. Because of the soaring prices of airfare, local tourism will boost as more and more people will be staying at home and experience the local offers. Travellers from UK will also increase as Ireland becomes a cheaper option for travel. This will somehow offset the estimates that tourists will shorten their vacation to only ten days instead of the regular two weeks.
Infrastructures related to tourism are not even halted by the government. The planned Abbey Theater and renovations of National Concert Hall will still go as planned. These structures are being constructed in preparation for the influx of tourists after recession. The projects are estimated to be completed just in time for the global economic problem to be properly addressed.
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