The number of American tourists visiting Ireland is at its lowest level since 1996, a survey has shown.
The survey, commissioned by the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation (ITIC), shows a decrease of 40 per cent in the number of coach tours from the US and a particularly weak performance in the German market.
It also suggested that a strong performance in bookings from the UK was dependent on late bookings and a buoyant autumn season.
Industry representatives surveyed pointed to under-funded marketing campaigns and the lack of campaigns in May and June. They also said lower fairs to the UK from mainland Europe impacted on the Irish tourism sector.
The survey, conducted by TTC Consultants, suggests the home market is not expected to grow owing to increased competition from foreign destinations and high-visibility promotion of these locations, particularly by the British Tourist Authority.
