Cliffs’ visitor numbers up 10.5%

THE Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience recorded a 10.5% increase in visitor numbers between January and June, compared to the same six-month period in 2012.
Visitor numbers during the first half of 2013 stood at 404,535, with management at the world famous and iconic visitor attraction reporting a strong performance by the North American and German tour markets.
Overall, group business increased by 17% between January and June, with Fully Independent Travellers (FIT) up by 4%.

The visitor figures were released this week to coincide with the launch of the newly revamped Cliffs of Moher website, www.cliffsofmoher.ie.

“Overall, visitor numbers for the year to date are 10.5% ahead of the same period for 2012, with group tour business performing particularly strongly,” explained Katherine Webster, director of Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience.

“We are delighted with the increase, which reflects the very strong performance from the North American and German group tour market and the new routes into Shannon Airport. The opening of the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk from Doolin to Hags Head is proving very popular with visitors and has helped draw additional visitors to the county. The increase in visitors to the Cliffs is especially noteworthy, considering the poor weather conditions experienced in May and June in particular,” she added.

“The variety of festivals and events for The Gathering is also paying dividends, with communities throughout the county making tremendous efforts to attract international visitors for a host of different and novel initiatives.

“The attraction of new events to Clare, including the International Junior Tour of Ireland and Rás na mBan, is also providing a further platform to attract international visitors to the county and encourage longer stays.

“We are now heading into the peak tourism period and we expect to see further strong growth in international visitors in the months ahead,” Ms Webster stated.

Meanwhile, a newly designed Cliffs of Moher website was launched featuring an interactive guide to the visitor attraction and 360 degree panoramic views of the cliffs and visitor centre.

According to Ms Webster, the website focuses on bringing the Cliffs of Moher to the visitor. It is designed to have a high visual appeal, with full screen background images and exciting video and 360 degree image content bringing the site alive.

“It can be viewed on mobile devices, including smartphone and iPad. Visitors planning their trip have use of an interactive map with suggested walking routes and can even book their tickets online at a discounted price.

“The website is fully integrated with social media including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, TripAdvisor, Pinterest and Stumbleupon. The story of the Cliffs of Moher is told along a timeline reaching back into the distant past,” Ms Webster explained.