TOURISM IRELAND HAS launched a new ad campaign aimed at attracting American holidaymakers.

The campaign will run on TV channels around the States, reaching an estimated 255 million Americans. It will run on a host of channels including the History channel, Food Network, Discovery Channel, National Geographic and BBC America.

The campaign will run for four weeks in tandem with social activity and an extensive online advertising campaign, designed to stimulate spring and summer travel.

In 2016, we welcomed around 1.6 million American and Canadian visitors to the island of Ireland (up 13% on 2015), delivering revenue of €1.4 billion for the economy.

Tourism Ireland is targeting growth of 6% in visitors from North America to Ireland this year. They say this is achievable because of a number of factors, including: more airline seats between the US and Ireland, more flights, and a strong dollar.

Alison Metcalfe of Tourism Ireland said the ad is the beginning of a year’s worth of advertising aimed at promoting the island.