Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way drives €3 billion in revenue per year, an increase of 58% in 10 years, according to a new report from Fáilte Ireland.
Almost 2 million more tourists visited the Wild Atlantic Way in 2023 than in 2013, the new impact report, which was launched today, April 11, estimates.
The growth has contributed to the creation of an additional 35,000 jobs, with tourism now supporting 121,000 jobs across the region.
Created by the National Tourism Development Authority, the 2,500km Wild Atlantic Way was first launched in 2014 at Meithel, the largest tourism trade event on the island of Ireland.
Fáilte Ireland published its report on the economic impact of the 2,600-kilometer-long Wild Atlantic Way at Meithel 2024, which is taking place in Killarney today and tomorrow and will see over 380 Irish tourism partners pitch to 241 international buyers and tour operators from around the world.
A big day for tourism today as we mark 10 years of the Wild Atlantic Way at #Meitheal2024, Ireland’s most important tourism trade event.
Since we launched the brand at Meitheal 2014, the @wildatlanticway has become a globally recognised tourism brand and has provided an… pic.twitter.com/BR9E5jrFyy
— Fáilte Ireland (@Fáilte_Ireland) April 11, 2024
Referencing the Fáilte Ireland report, Tourism Minister Catherine Martin said the success of the Wild Atlantic Way has helped to cement Ireland's reputation as a "must-visit" tourist destination.
"For a small island, we have a huge amount to offer from world-class scenery, hospitality, activities, attractions, culture, heritage, and food," Martin said.
"It is fantastic to see so many businesses at Meitheal this year to showcase the richness of our tourism offering to these international buyers and tour operators."
Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland, says the Wild Atlantic Way "has had a truly transformative impact on the economy of the west coast," adding that it generates employment and revenue from Malin Head to Kinsale while also being a key motivator for visitors.
"Tourism is now worth €3 billion per year to the region," Kelly said.
"This growth has contributed to the creation of an additional 35,000 jobs in local communities, with tourism now supporting 121,000 jobs across the region.
"Domestically, the Wild Atlantic Way is our most popular region with 51% of all domestic tourism revenue being generated there.
"When we compare this internationally, based on the most recent data available, we see that inbound travel to Ireland grew by 45% between 2013 and 2019, well above the Northern European average of 25%.
"And the Wild Atlantic Way was a key contributor to this success with overseas visitor bednights in the region growing by 60% across this period."
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