CONTINUED growth in the tourism industry in the Republic and Northern Ireland over the next five years will create huge business opportunities for suppliers, according to a new marketing opportunity report.

Five million visitors to Ireland this year are calculated to spend over £300 million exclusive of accommodation and food.

Prospects for the next five years are equally buoyant, according to the report, Supplying the Tourist Industry in Ireland, North and South.

The Minister for Tourism and Trade, Mr Kenny, said the report for the first time quantified the tremendous opportunities for Irish supply companies created by the tourist industry.

The report estimates that, at the present rate of tourism growth, a further 6,500 hotel rooms will be required in the republic, and 2,000 in Northern Ireland by the year 2000.

The annual hotel refurbishments market for furniture and joinery is worth £22 million. The market for hotel materials, fixtures and fittings over the 1995-2000 period will be worth £350 million.

According to the report the tourist industry requirement for glassware, cutlery and crockery will grow to £6.5 million by the year 2000, and visitor spending on souvenirs and general giftware will increase to £160 million per year over the coming four years.

The report is published by An Bord Trachtala and the Industrial Development Board for Northern Ireland. It is one of a series of joint marketing initiatives aimed at identifying scope for increased North/South trade.