2013 a hugely successful year for Clare tourism – Conway

Clare Fine Gael Senator, Martin Conway, has today (Wednesday) described 2013 as a hugely successful year for tourism in Clare.

“I am very pleased that visitor numbers to Clare have increased significantly on last year with visitors to the Cliffs of Moher up about 10% totalling some 950,000 visitors, while Loop Head delivered 19,000 visitors this year which is up on 2012 numbers, according to figures provided by Clare County Council.

  “Nationally, in 2013 there’s been an increase of more than 7% in visitor numbers compared with last year, contributing €3.64 billion in revenue to the economy. This is due in no small part to the Gathering, which proved to be a tremendous impetus for tourism in Clare, with over 270 events providing a strong   boost to international visitor numbers.

“I believe that we need to build on the legacy of the Gathering by working with all the various stakeholders to ensure that Clare and the Mid-West region is the most popular tourism location in the country. I have no doubt that the retention of the VAT rate at 9% in Budget 2014 and the scrapping of the air travel tax will continue to add to these positive returns in Co. Clare.

  “I was delighted to learn that Tourism Ireland will place a major focus for 2014-2016 on promoting attractions in the Mid-West region such as the Wild Atlantic Way, as well as major events like Limerick City of Culture and the Brian Boru Millennial celebrations, which will come as great news to the many businesses and people involved in nurturing the tourism product in Clare.”

ENDS