Irish abroad outspend visitors to Republic

There was a net outflow of funds from the State in the third quarter as Irish tourists spent more overseas than visitors to the Republic.

According to figures released by the Central Statistics Office this morning, there were 2,187,000 overseas visitors to Ireland between July and September inclusive, a rise of 6.9 per cent compared with the same period last year.

They spent an estimated €1.49 billion in the State during their  visit. Over the same period Irish people spent over €1.53 billion holidaying outside the State, resulting in a net outflow of €42 million.

The numbers of high-spending American tourists visiting the Republic grew by more than 7.6 per cent over the third quarter of this year, compared to the same period last year.

Cross-channel visits to the Republic grew by 3.7 per cent over the same period. Visitors on cross-continental routes grew by 13.5 per cent with tourists from the US and Canada up by 7.6 per cent.

US tourists are seen a vital because traditionally they remain longer in Ireland and spend more than their Continental or British counterparts. They are seen as particularly important for the tourist trade outside Dublin.

However, despite this growth, tourist numbers to the State remain below the high recorded during the same period in 2000 when 2.245 million tourists visited.

The number of Irish people holidaying overseas continues to rise with a 2.5 per cent growth over the quarter to 1.593 million. Those traveling to Britain fell by 3.4 per cent while those flying to Continental destinations rose by 5.2 per cent.