Tourism Ireland CEO wants more German visitors year-round

Tourism Ireland CEO - and ex-Google exec - Alice Mansergh says she hopes to be able to attract more visitors from Germany to Ireland year-round, because of the island's mild climate and beautiful scenery.

Germany is Ireland's #3 tourism source market after the US and UK, but traditionally German visitors have come to Ireland primarily in summer for outdoor activities. But city breaks and visiting the Wild Atlantic Way - which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year - are becoming more popular with Germans.

Even within Europe, air capacity to Ireland - as yet recovered only to 77% of 2019 level - remains a limiting factor for international visitation. But that situation continues to improve, with non-stop flights now available from Germany to Belfast, Cork, Kerry, Knock and Dublin.