asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the total number of overseas visitors to Ireland in the 1988 season; the percentage growth or reduction in this number over the last five years; the percentage of the total numbers of visitors who are classified as Irish emigrants on return visits home; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Overseas Visitors.
38.
The Central Statistics Office have supplied information, which I propose to circulate in tabular form in the Official Report, on estimated visitor numbers to Ireland for the first nine months of 1988, comparable figures for the four preceding years, and annual percentage changes in these figures. The tabular statement includes information on reasons given by visitors for coming to Ireland, including those who came to visit relatives.
The relevant date from the CSO's 1988 passenger card inquiry will not be available until early next year.
1. Estimated Numbers of Overseas Visitors to Ireland
|
January-September |
|||||
|
1984 |
1985 |
1986 |
1987 |
1988 |
|
|
Number (000) |
1,552 |
1,584 |
1,482 |
1,669 |
1,897 |
|
Percentage change over same period in previous year |
+4.2 |
+2.1 |
-6.4 |
+12.6 |
+13.7 |
2. Reason for Journey Distribution of Overseas Visitors to Ireland
|
Reason for Journey |
Year |
|||
|
1984 |
1985 |
1986 |
1987 |
|
|
% |
% |
% |
% |
|
|
Business |
17.0 |
15.2 |
17.4 |
17.3 |
|
Tourist |
37.6 |
41.4 |
35.4 |
34.8 |
|
Visit to Relatives |
38.6 |
37.2 |
38.6 |
41.1 |
|
Other |
6.8 |
6.1 |
8.6 |
6.8 |
|
Total |
100.0 |
100.0 |
100.0 |
100.0 |
Note: The above data on reasons for journey are derived by the CSO from their Passenger Card Inquiry in which visitors are asked to indicate the reason for their visit. Estimates for 1988 from the Inquiry will not be available until next year.