Jack Wall
Ceist:53 Mr. Wall asked the Taoiseach the number of Irish residents who holidayed abroad in 2002; the way in which this compares with 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11040/03]
Written Answers. - Tourism Statistics.
The annual tourism and travel release for 2002 was published by the CSO on 30 April.
It is estimated that there were 2.7 million overseas visits by Irish residents for reason of holiday, leisure and recreation in 2002, with a total expenditure of just over €2,720 million.
This compares with just over 2.4 million visits and expenditure of €2,205 million in 2001, representing increases of 12.7% in visits and 23.4% in expenditure.