Ireland saw a 7 percent increase in the number of overseas visitors in 2011, the first major increase in four years.

According to a report released this week by The Irish Tourist Industry Confederation (ITIC) the numbers employed in the tourism sector increased with 6,000 new jobs added to the workforce after seasonal adjustments.

The ITIC announced that visitors from Mainland Europe increased by 10%, and visitors from North America increased by 8 percent.

______________

Read More:
Ireland voted as top 'luxury tourism' destination

Ireland’s top ten most popular tourist attractions for 2011 - PHOTOS

Tourists to be spared VAT rate increase in forthcoming Irish budget
_______________

The market for themed escorted coach tours from the USA was particularly strong in 2011, with visitors numbers climbing above the peak levels of 2007.

In other welcome news for the industry, Dublin Port also welcomed a record 87 cruise liners to the nations capital this year.

In conclusion the ITIC claims that Ireland and its tourist industry have proved their resilience but the overall level of demand enjoyed in 2007, a record year for Irish tourism, has yet to be repeated.