Tourism Ireland comment on overseas tourism figures for January-November 2024

CSO (Central Statistics Office) data published today for the period January to November 2024, confirms that Ireland has welcomed 6.2 million overseas visitors, up +7% compared to the same 11 months of 2023, spending €5.7 billion, up +13% compared to the same period of 2023, making for a positive result in 2024, in terms of visitor numbers and revenue from overseas.

Alongside year-to-date numbers, the CSO now publishes monthly data. In November as a standalone month, overseas visitors spent €316 million in Ireland, a softening of -5% compared to November 2023. Ireland welcomed 408,000 visitors in November 2024, -9% compared to November 2023. Of the visitors from across markets who came to Ireland in November, they spent on average +4% more per trip than those visiting in November last year and +15% more per night. 

Challenges in volumes of visitors may persist through the winter, with air seat capacity to the island at 99% the level of winter 2023. While regional and Northern Ireland airports are showing strong growth, Dublin – as the largest airport – has 96% of the seat capacity it had in winter 2023, due to the airport cap applied this winter. While there is a ‘hold’ for legal consideration of the airport cap for summer 2025, there is still impact from applying the cap in winter 2024. Island wide, air seat capacity for the winter from Great Britain has dipped to 97% the level of 2023 and from North America to 96% of the level of 2023.  

Cost has been a key consideration this year, with the tourism industry navigating increases in their cost of doing business on the ground. While potential visitors overseas, per Tourism Ireland research, view Ireland’s value for money as similar to competitor destinations like Scotland, England or Scandinavia, perceptions can vary across markets, with value appearing more favourable among US audiences compared to those coming from Great Britain or Mainland Europe. 

Alice Mansergh, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said:“It is positive to see that overseas tourism spend so far in 2024 has grown by +13% compared to the same period in 2023, with Mainland Europe, Great Britain and North America all demonstrating revenue growth over the year to date. This growth is vital for the tourism industry, at a time when cost inflation means margins are tight, and we’re proud to support demand growth through our overseas marketing.  

 “However, November as a standalone month saw a softening in terms of overseas tourism spend and visitor numbers, when compared to November 2023. We know there are risks to navigate in the months ahead. Air access is limited for the winter season by the cap at Dublin Airport, which is on hold for summer 2025, but has already been applied for winter 2024. Despite strong growth at regional airports, the cap at Dublin has an impact, as it is the airport typically supporting ~70% of air access to the island of Ireland and ~85% of air access for Ireland exclusive of Northern Ireland. With Dublin at 96% of the air seat capacity it had last winter, the island overall dips to 99% of the air seat capacity or air access it had last year, with markets such as Great Britain and North America affected, at 97% and 96% seat capacity respectively for winter 2024 vs winter 2023.  

 “Tourism Ireland welcomes steps being taken to review the cap at Dublin airport as a priority. In the meantime, we are partnering with air and sea carriers to support growth in demand for routes directly into the regions, to mitigate risk where possible. This winter, we are promoting reasons to explore across seasons, we have publicity programmes under way across 13 markets and our kickstart campaigns are live across TV and digital channels overseas to inspire bookings to come and explore Ireland as a top destination for 2025. December is often a key period when people begin to consider their main holidays for the year ahead and we are supporting the tourism industry to win hearts, minds and trips. 

 “In the face of rising costs for tourism businesses across Ireland, in 2025, we at Tourism Ireland will be dialing up the many unique experiences visitors can enjoy on a holiday on the island of Ireland, with a view to making this a ‘must visit’ destination for visitors.”