US President Joe Biden’s visit to Ireland could create more “good momentum” for tourism from the US, the CEO of Fáilte Ireland has said.  

Paul Kelly said areas such as Louth and Ballina and attractions such as Dublin Castle are receiving coverage all over the world. 

Speaking to On the Record with Mandy Johnston filling in for Gavan Reilly, he said Ireland is receiving “huge engagement” and the visit from President Biden is “going to be a big help”.  

Mr Kelly said “it’s hard to isolate individual impacts” of what might increase tourism from the US.  

“We have a strong exchange between the dollar and euro now, which is quite conducive to visits from the US,” he said.  

Despite that, Mr Kelly said a vist from the US president will likely contribute to any increase in the near future.  

“I've seen numbers from up around the Louth area, and it’s had some stunning impacts in terms of social media coverage and visits to websites,” he said.  

"Some of that will convert to bookings and visits."

Ballina is ready pic.twitter.com/Yi5fcfN76E

— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) April 14, 2023

Mr Kelly said there is a “growing trend” in tourism aimed at people discovering their Irish heritage, such as the Irish Emigration Museum.  

He said: “One of the things we’re beginning to see is that people are tracing their genealogy and discovering what part of Ireland they're from and then they're designing [their holidays] towards that.” 

“It's bringing people to towns and villages that wouldn't be on the normal tourist trails.” 

“Small numbers still, but it’s a huge value to people in those areas to see tourism built around family history.” 

Capacity 

Mr Kelly said the “biggest challenge” facing increased tourism is a lack of accommodation available.  

Approximately 30% of accommodation outside Dublin is not available for tourism because it’s being used for “humanitarian purposes”, according to the Fáilte Ireland CEO.  

He said: “It's an unfortunate consequence of the horrific Russian invasion of Ukraine.” 

“It's important that Ireland is a welcoming nation, and we welcome and give shelter to those who desperately need - but how can that be done in a balanced way?” 

Mr Kelly said the accommodation sector will “get paid either way” - but he is concerned about other tourist-reliant businesses. 

“If the visitors aren't in the town, then they won't be going to restaurants, they won’t be visiting attractions.” 

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