Tourist Numbers.

Wednesday, 26 October 2005

Questions (65)

Martin Ferris

Question:

139 Mr. Ferris asked the Taoiseach if statistics on the numbers of tourists visiting Kerry since 1 January 2003 will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31021/05]

View answer

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Mr. Kitt)

The household travel survey provides estimates of domestic and foreign tourism by Irish residents. It includes a regional breakdown of domestic tourism by the eight regional authorities, or NUTS 3 regions. Breakdowns at county level are not available. Kerry is included in the south-west region with Cork city and county. The latest figures are for the first quarter of 2005 and are shown in the following table.

Estimated number of domestic visits to the south west with at least one overnight — 2003-March 2005.

Visits '000
Year	Number
2003	1,400
2004	1,547
Jan-Mar 2005	294

The total number of overseas visitors to Ireland in the same period is set out in the following table. A regional breakdown of the overseas visitors figures is not available.

Estimated number of overseas visits to Ireland — 2003-July 2005.

Visits '000
Year	Number
2003	6,369
2004	6,574
Jan-Jul 2005	3,876