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Tourism Industry in Galway
Tourism is now Ireland’s most important indigenous industry accounting for 3.7% of GNP. Tourism remains a key sector with an average of 6.4 million overseas tourist visiting Ireland and foreign exchange earnings of 4.3 billion euro. Combined with a projected 6% growth in revenue from domestic trips, total tourism earnings in 2005 were estimated at 5.3 billion euro. (Source: Failte Ireland, 2005) The relative importance of Tourism to the West Region and economy of Galway also cannot be underestimated. Throughout 2005 Ireland West Tourism (the regional authority for Tourism) have been actively engaging with those in the industry and public sector to focus attention on the fact that Tourism is potentially the most sustainable industry we have available to us in Galway County and the West in general.
Just over 1 million overseas tourists visited Galway (Galway City and County) in 2004 contributing over 350 million to our local economy. The majority of visitors were from mainland Europe, followed by North America and Britain. (Source: Regions Report, Failte Ireland Research and Information Service www.failteireland.ie).
Domestic Tourism has sustained its remarkable surge with a revenue growth of 51% since the year 2000. For many in the Tourism industry and particulary in the West and in Galway Domestic Tourism is now an attractive and important source of business. The most recent published figures (based on 2004) indicate that domestic trips to the West reached 1.2 million generating a revenue of over 210 million.
Galway County Council in supporting the growing focus on domestic tourism agreed in 2005 to contribute to a three year investment in a Domestic Tourism Marketing Campaign with Ireland West Tourism (the regional Tourism Authority), Local Authorities in Galway City, Roscommon, Mayo, Failte Ireland and Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. It’s a unique collaboration and has resulted in the ‘Wake up to the West Campaign’. This campaign created by the staff of Ireland West was awarded for its innovation and creativity in the 2005 Marketing Institute Awards.
The Tourism industry has been experiencing new demands from the customer which is focused on self styled holidays and weekend breaks with direct booking using the internet, a desire for easy access by air in particular and increased interest in unique cultural experiences and things to do. Value for money is also central. The industry is responding positively in Galway with continous improvement in web-sites, new offers and price promises and a renewed focus on excellent service standards and the development of activities for individuals of all ages and families.
Accommodation including B&B’s, Self Catering and Hotels of all categories is well advanced in Galway and over the next few years the industry is shifting its focus into developing and promoting the exceptional diversity on offer in relation to Fishing, Walking, Golfing, Cultural Activities, Heritage, Festivals and Events.
The development of products is of clear importance to the rural areas of the County facilitating visitors to stay longer and discover a real sense of the culture, language and landscape of the West.
For further information on the industry and offers in Galway see www.irelandwest.ie and www.ireland.ie
