Tourism Ireland has announced details of its plans to promote the island of Ireland during 2012, which aims to capitalise on this year's return to growth in inbound visitor numbers.

It is also hoped the strategy will provide the foundation for efforts to welcome more than 9 million visitors to the island by 2015, which will exceed record numbers set in 2007.

The agency said it will be looking to attract 7.8 million visitors during 2012, which will be a 5.5 per cent increase on figures for 2011 and will continue the sector's recovery.

A new international advertising campaign; a focus on Ireland's "best prospects"; targeting the top four markets; and boosting access are among Tourism Ireland's priorities for 2012.

Irish tourism minister Leo Varadkar said: "The sector currently keeps 180,000 people in jobs right across the country, and there is great potential for further job creation.

"The Tourism Ireland marketing plan will build on this progress. We are now building up to the Gathering in 2013, which will be the biggest tourism event ever held in Ireland."

Details: www.tourismireland.com

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