Domestic tourism grows as the Irish stay at home
HALF the population of Ireland is taking at least one break at home each year.
And the figures from Failte Ireland revealed some 60 per cent of these are aged between 30 and 49.
The growth in domestic tourism was welcomed by Failte Ireland Chief Executive Shaun Quinn.
He said: “Irish holidaymakers continue to be an increasingly important source of business for hotels and the self-catering sector.”
In the past three years the number of nights spent in hotels and self-catering by Irish holidaymakers grew by 22 per cent and 20 per cent respectively.
Three out of four bed nights outside Dublin are now accounted for by the home market.
And the figures for 2003 show Irish people spent e576million on home holidays - an increase of 15 per cent on 2002.
Mr Quinn said much growth in additional short-break holidays was stimulated by Discover Ireland promotions and the good summer weather last year.
The 2004 Discover Ireland campaign is in full swing across a range of media. The campaign has been underpinned by the enhanced www.ireland.ie website, which has direct links to accommodation, activities and attractions throughout Ireland.
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