•David

Visits to Ireland from all world regions except UK (-6%) were up in Jan-July 2017 vs. 2016.

But for the month of July, visits were up from North America (+4%) and Rest of World (+8%) only; down from UK and Mainland Europe.

And although visits from North America and Rest of World were up in July and for YTD ending July, demand seems to have weakened in July: +4% in July from North America vs. +17% YTD and +8% in July from Rest of World vs. +18% YTD.

Domestic holidays were down 14% in Q1.

Much of this is related to currency exchange rates. The GBP has been weak since June 2016, and that plus the strong euro has made international travel (especially to the UK) attractive for Irish citizens. Also the USD fell steadily against the euro in July - but US-Ireland long-haul trips should have been planned and locked in well before that.

So Niall Gibbons was correct to say in May that Direct China - Ireland flights are absolutely vital.