(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The number of visitors to Ireland from the GCC has increased by 15 per cent compared to year-to-date visitor numbers in 2012, new figures released by Tourism Ireland reveal.
The number of visit visa applications in 2013 has also risen by eight per cent compared to the same time last year. The increase sees inbound tourism to Ireland from the Middle East continue along its growth path.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia in particular are priority markets for Tourism Ireland's focus in the GCC. Making a return to the Arabian Travel Market, or ATM, after a two-year absence, Tourism Ireland will promote new marketing initiatives that are helping grow visitor numbers from the region further, including The Gathering Ireland 2013 and Derry-Londonderry UK City of Culture.
Increased flight connectivity into Ireland from the UAE and initiatives such as the Short-Stay Visa Waiver Scheme, which permits GCC nationals in possession of a valid UK visa automatic entry into Ireland, are thought to be significant factors behind the steady increase in visa applications.
"Greater accessibility for Middle East residents, particularly through Emirates in Dubai and Etihad in Abu Dhabi, plays a significant factor in increased visitor numbers, with 17 flights per week from the UAE now in operation," said Thomas Redmond, Tourism Ireland's representative in the GCC. "The Irish Short-Stay Visa Waiver Scheme, first implemented in July 2011, has also made it much easier for GCC nationals to visit Ireland. With increasing numbers of dual-destination holiday makers visiting Ireland under this scheme, we expect the actual number of visitors to Ireland to be even greater than the number shown by visa applications alone."
Tourism Ireland's participation at ATM 2013 will focus on its growth strategy to increase emphasis on the Middle Eastern market. Three campaigns will be exhibited each day over the course of the event: The Gathering Ireland 2013; Derry-Londonderry UK City of Culture and Ireland's golf tourism and golf product market.
"This year has seen the launch of several exciting tourism initiatives in the Middle East," Redmond said. "The Gathering Ireland 2013 is a significant, year-long initiative that aims to boost our tourism overseas through a diverse roster of prestigious events. It also calls for anyone with Irish heritage, or simply a love of Ireland, to make 2013 the year they visit Ireland."
"We expect visitor numbers to Ireland to grow by approximately five per cent in response to The Gathering Ireland 2013 campaign," Thomas Redmond continues. "Our tourism strategy in the Middle East doesn't stop there, however, and we are looking forward to launching further initiatives as we continue to enjoy prosperous growth in visitor numbers over the next few years."
ATM will be held from May 6-9 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
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