This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.
Last Published: 8/6/2019

Overview

Ireland is ranked in the top 20 international markets for visitation to the US.   Since 2009, there has been a 27% increase in passenger volumes from Ireland to the United States.  Travel by Irish residents alone increased by 9.8% from 2017 to 2018.   Through the peak summer season, 194 direct flights or 45,000 seats a week, operate via Dublin and Shannon airports reducing to 144 flights in the winter.   Direct routes operate to 18 U.S. airports: JFK, NY Stewart, Newark Liberty, Charlotte Douglas, Chicago O’Hare, Logan, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Washington Dulles, Orlando, Bradley, Los Angeles, Miami, TF Green, Seattle-Tacoma, and most recently Dallas and Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Ireland has the highest per capita travel to the U.S. in Europe and is the third highest in the world, second only to Canada and Mexico.  Irish visitors tend to yield a higher than average spending while in the U.S and about three quarters of the trips are leisure trips. The average length of stay is 16 nights.  Forward bookings remain positive due to the competitive hotel/bed market and an increase in airline capacity.  Industry sources relay that Irish travel agents are experiencing a significant increase in bookings for the second half of 2019 and into 2020. 

Ireland offers Customs and Immigration pre-clearance in both Shannon and Dublin airports, one of the very few countries in the world to do so.  Preclearance is poised to preclear over two million passengers this year travelling to the United States.  Dublin Airport is the 5th largest hub in Europe for transatlantic services to North America.   A planned new runway at Dublin airport will provide future growth opportunities on transatlantic routes.  Forecasts show that the Irish transatlantic travel market is expected to continue to grow, fueled by an increase in seat capacity, the opening of new direct routes, and expected economic growth (excluding any impact from Brexit).

Leading Sub-Sectors

The three top destinations for Irish visitors are Las Vegas, New York and Orlando followed closely by Boston and Chicago.  The top reason for Irish visitation to the U.S. is vacation (75%), followed by visiting friends/relatives and business travel.   Shopping is the number one activity of Irish travelers followed by sightseeing, fine dining, national parks, and small towns/countryside.

Opportunities

Cultural tourism, musical heritage, small towns, and historical sites also represent opportunities to attract Irish visitors.  Package family holidays, cruise & stay and fly & drive holidays are in high demand.  Trends show an increase in multi-experience holidays with longer stay in multiple locations.  Travel agents are reporting that there has been a surge in popularity of all-inclusive cruises to U.S destinations, as well as attractions, transportation, and accommodation.

Web Resources

VisitUSA Committee Ireland: http://www.visitusa.ie 
BrandUSA: http://www.thebrandusa.com
World Travel Market, London, November 4-6, 2019 http://www.wtmlondon.com
Holiday World Show, Dublin, January 24-26, 2020 http://www.holidayworldshow.com
IPW, Las Vegas, Nevada, May 30 – June 3, 2020 http://www.ipw.com


For further information about the Irish travel and tourism market, please contact:
 
Anthea Zanella
Commercial Advisor – Travel & Tourism Sector
U.S. Commercial Service Dublin
Tel: +353-1-237-5862
Email: Anthea.Zanella@trade.gov

 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.