Michael Moynihan
Question:20 Mr. Moynihan asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he has satisfied himself with the growth in Irish tourism numbers from the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - US Tourist Traffic.
US tourist traffic to Ireland has been growing steadily since 1987 at an annual average of 4.6 per cent notwithstanding difficulties in that market arising from fluctuations in the dollar, international terrorism, the withdrawal of some US carriers from the Irish market, and more recently a sluggish US economy.
Obviously I would like to see more visitors from all markets, including the US, and in this context I have been holding discussions with a number of US carriers about the possibility of their serving Ireland. These carriers have potential to develop new gateways outside the traditional gateways to Ireland which would help us to expand our current share of the US market.
The fact that Aer Lingus have resumed services to Chicago since 1989 and have plans to inaugurate services to Los Angeles as soon as there is some pick-up in the US economy will also help our drive to increase the number of US visitors to Ireland.