Our latest Tourism Barometer shows some promising signs of recovery in the industry during 2012 with a number of sectors reporting this year as the best performing season since the onset of the recession. The survey of over 750 different tourism businesses also shows business sentiment at heights not seen since 2007. However, while sentiment is improving the recovery remains gradual with some sectors outperforming others resulting in caution in the industry at large as tourism starts to find its feet again.

Accepting the findings of the report, Shaun Quinn CEO of Fáilte Ireland emphasised:

“This report is a realistic snapshot of where tourism is at today. The hotel sector, particularly in the cities and traditional tourism hotspots, appear to be benefitting from increased activity in the domestic and overseas markets while other accommodation providers and the restaurant sector remain significantly challenged. While some of the trends in this report are positive and to be welcomed, it appears that we may be experiencing a two speed recovery in tourism.”

“The key to continuing recovery in tourism will lie in our overseas markets. As this report shows, the lucrative US market is picking up while our European markets are holding steady. Significantly, our largest market – Great Britain – remains stubbornly depressed. If we are to really turn the corner to a full recovery, we will need to win back significant numbers from that market in 2013 and, hopefully next year’s ‘The Gathering’ will play some part in that.”