Visitors from North America to Ireland spent almost €2.2 billion in 2024, according to figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). This was an increase of 19% on 2023. Furthermore, 27% of all US tourists to Ireland come from the West of the United States.
This comes as Minister Peter Burke is leading his first tourism sales mission this week, following the move of tourism into the newly formed Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.
Tourism companies from the island of Ireland, airlines and American tour operators programming Ireland will connect with travel agents based on the West Coast of the US.
Tourism Ireland said hundreds of commercial meetings will take place this week, to drive partnership and tourism growth over the coming years.
The ‘Best of Ireland’ sales mission will visit key cities for tourism on the West Coast of the United States, including Seattle, San Francisco, Newport Beach and San Diego.
"Events in Seattle, San Francisco, Newport Beach and San Diego provide a platform for tourism businesses from the island of Ireland to meet with US travel trade partners," said Alice Mansergh, chief executive of Tourism Ireland. "Together, we’ll be shining a light on unique experiences and reasons to visit, stimulating stronger commercial connections and driving growth for the years to come."
The next Tourism Ireland ‘Best of Ireland’ sales mission will visit Detroit, Indianapolis, and Nashville (our three newest gateways from the US), as well as Charlotte, in April.
“I am delighted to be here in the United States on my first official overseas engagement with Tourism Ireland," said Minister Peter Burke. "The United States is one of our top markets and the expansion of Tourism Ireland’s presence on the ground here will ensure we continue to grow business to Ireland over the coming years."
