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Claims Brexit Is Major Challenge For Irish Tourism In 2017

Tourism Ireland claims Brexit is one of the biggest challenges facing Irish tourism in 2017.

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Tourism Ireland claims Brexit is one of the biggest challenges facing Irish tourism in 2017.

Ireland welcomed a record figure of visitors this year – with almost half travelling from the UK.

However, despite that, one leading figure in the tourism industry here thinks it might not be all doom and gloom

A record 10.5 million tourists came to Ireland this year, but with Brexit on the horizon, and sterling weakening against the euro, it's feared that number could decrease in 2017.

Tourism Ireland says the British exit from the EU is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry next year.

CEO Niall Gibbons says prices need to come down.

Despite this warning, another leading figure in the tourism industry doesn't think the impact of Brexit wil be as bad as originally feared.

Shannon Heritage is reporting strong growth at its properties this year, including Bunratty Castle,  and CEO John Ruddle doesn't foresee this being knocked off track by Brexit.

Mr. Ruddle was speaking at the unveiling of a one million euro upgrade at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, an event which was attended by the Junior Tourism Minister.

Patrick O'Donovan has said he believes collaboration between Shannon Group and Clare County Council has paved the way for the development of further initiatives which could strengthen the industry.

New driving routes off of the Wild Atlantic Way have been unveiled, and Minister O'Donovan thinks initiatives like this can have huge potential.

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