Tourism Ireland reports 13% visitation growth from overseas in 1H2016.

In summary:

• 13% growth overall representing 507,400 additional visitors vs. 1H2015
• Major source markets:
  • Britain +16% (Note all but 1 week of 1H2016 is pre-referendum-vote.)
  • North America +15%
  • Continental Europe +11%
• Contributing factors (per Tourism Ireland):
  • Global marketing reaching 200M people
  • Digital and social media presence (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube)
  • Air access: 537,000 direct one-way seats per week in Summer 2016
  • PR exposure equivalent to 358M euro in advertising
  • TV/film tourism (Star Wars, Game of Thrones, commissioned videos)
• Plans for 2H2016:
  • Maximise introduction of new air routes for shoulder- and off-season growth
  • Travel-trade and media blitzes in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle
  • Sales missions to the Middle East, India, Australia, New Zealand
  • Partnering with UK inbound operators to target long-haul markets
  • WTM show
• Brexit watch
  • Monitor developments as they unfold
  • Global autumn campaign to include extensive promotions in Britain for shoulder and off-peak