The figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) showed that total spending in Ireland by overseas visitors increased from 699 million euros (786
million U.S. dollars) to 780 million euros, up 11.6 percent for the first
quarter of the year when compared with the same period in 2014.
When fares are excluded, total expenditure increased from 534 million euros to 590 million euros, an increase of 10.5 percent over the period.
The CSO figures also showed the number of overseas trips to Ireland increased from 1.3 million in the first quarter of 2014 to 1.5 million trips in the first
quarter of 2015.
Commenting on the figures Cheap Air Max , Paschal Donohoe, minister for transport, tourism and sport, said the year 2015
started very well for the tourism sector with increased visitor numbers from all
main markets.
"The statistics published today show that revenue from overseas visitors has also increased. This again confirms that the measures undertaken by the
government to boost Ireland's attractiveness as a destination are
working Cheap Nike Air Max Womens ," he said.
"However, we are not resting on our laurels," he added.
The minister said his country has a strong marketing program in place for the remainder of 2015 to ensure that this strong economic return is maintained.
Tourism is one of Ireland's most important economic sectors and has significant potential to play a further role in the country's economic revival.
In 2014, tourism was responsible for a 12-percent increase in earnings and a
9-percent increase in overseas visitor numbers.
For 2015 Cheap Nike Air Max Clearance , Ireland projects an increase of 6 percent in overseas tourists.
THE HAGUE, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Due to heavy rain all play-off matches were cancelled on Friday at the World Softball Championship in Haarlem, the
Netherlands.
With only two days left for the tournament the rain caused definite cancellation of all consolation games at the championship. On Saturday now the
top eight play-offs matches are on the program and on Sunday the final and the
bronze medal match will be played.
Reigning champions Japan, winners of Section A Cheap Nike Air Max Online , play Australia, the number two of Group B, while nine-time world champions the United States, undefeated in Section B Cheap Nike Air Max Wholesale , meet Canada, the number two of Group A.
New Zealand play Chinese Taipei and China face hosts the Netherlands in the bottom half of the top eight. For the latter teams the bronze is the highest
possible achievement.
HAVANA, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Legendary U.S. basketball star Shaquille O' Neal on Sunday hosted a clinic in Havana for young Cuban players as part of a U.S.
government-sponsored trip to promote bilateral ties.
O' Neal, who earlier this week was named sports envoy to Cuba by U.S. President Barack Obama, offered young players tips and new techniques to develop
in the future.
"We share a lot in common and we wanted to come here to extend our friendly hand and start moving things on between both nations," the seven-foot one-inch
basketball hall of famer told reporters as he arrived at the clinic in Havana.
The 15-time National Basketball Association (NBA) all-star, who played for the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat, among other teams, before retiring in
2011, spent around two hours with Cuban youth as part of the U.S. State
Department's "people-to-people program."
"Shaq", as he is affectionately known to fans, said he was in favor of Obama's decision to restore ties with Cuba after half a century of animosity.
"It was great for the president to reopen the door and reestablish a better relationship with this beautiful island," he said.
O' Neal stressed that through sports any two countries can come together for good causes and help each other to strengthen political relations.
For the U.S. it was an opportunity to reach out to Cuba's youth, while for the young participants, it was a unique opportunity to learn from one of the
best players in the history of the game.
"His presence here brings us a lot of joy, because we can learn more about basketball techniques from all the experience he has," Jordan Davis, a young
Cuban player, told Xinhua.
Throughout the clinic, O' Neal guided the participants through different dribbling methods and shooting strategies, and even served as referee in a
couple of short games.
"He is a figure of great experience and for us it is very important to learn. It is an honor to have him here," Dalila Perera, a Cuban girl with dreams of
playing pro basketball, said.
O'Neal will stay in Cuba through June 28 as part of Washington's sports diplomacy, meeting young Cubans, talking sports and visiting cultural sites.
Last year, an NBA delegation traveled to Cuba for the first time to begin cooperation and host basketball clinics on the island. Enditem
Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov (R) and South Korean Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon attend a joint press conference in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Oct.
25 Cheap Nike Air Max Black , 2017. Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov on Wednesday invited his visiting South Korean counterpart Lee Nak-yon to invest in
information technology (IT) and car manufacturing sectors. (XinhuaZhan Xiaoyi)
SOFIA, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov on Wednesday invited his visiting South Korean counterpart Lee Nak-yon to invest in
information technology (IT) and car manufacturing sectors.
The two countries had the potential to cooperate in areas such as agriculture, energy and shipbuilding, but he wanted priority to be given to IT
and production of electric cars Cheap Nike Air Max Shoes , Borissov said.
He highlighted good industrial conditions in Bulgaria such as stability, low taxes and a skilled workforce.
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