Emirates Airlines has increased frequency on its Dubai–Dublin route, acknowledging growing demand for travel to Ireland and the huge potential to grow tourism further from the Gulf region.

That is according to Amanda Burns, general manager, Tourism Ireland, Asia Hub, and comes as the airline confirmed it would double its capacity to Ireland to 14 flights per week as of September 1st. 

Last year more than 45,000 people from the Middle East visited the island of Ireland – seven per cent growth on the previous year. 

The GCC market was also one of Tourism Ireland’s New and Developing Markets to achieve a record performance, alongside India, China and South Africa.

Burns commented: “Four factors drive tourism into the island of Ireland: our fantastic product; an easier visa applications process; our marketing activities in the Gulf and, the most important factor of all, market access. 

“Delivering twice as many seats vastly improves access and significantly increases the opportunity for Gulf visitors to experience all that the beautiful island of Ireland has to offer. 

“The Gulf market is of growing strategic importance to Tourism Ireland, and holds plenty of opportunities to grow tourism further. 

“We look forward to working with Emirates Airline, our network of tour operators and travel agents in the GCC to further drive tourism into Ireland.”

Tourism Ireland launches a number of exciting initiatives in 2014 to woo more travellers from the GCC. 

Tourism Ireland will soon launch a dedicated Arabic language website, supported by increased Arabic content on its consumer focused social media channels for GCC audiences.