During the last couple of decades many countries have embraced urban tourism to provide a welcome economic boost to cities that have experienced a decline in established economic activities. In Ireland as well as the UK this has been particularly pronounced. Many cities have been rejuvenated through the benefits generated from increasing numbers of tourists taking breaks during the last decade; these include the revitalisation of city centres, the physical regeneration of cities, and the development of tourist facilities that can be used by residents as well as tourists. Dublin and more recently Belfast are good examples.

During the last couple of decades many countries have embraced urban tourism to provide a welcome economic boost to cities that have experienced a decline in established economic activities. In Ireland as well as the UK this has been particularly pronounced. Many cities have been rejuvenated through the benefits generated from increasing numbers of tourists taking breaks during the last decade; these include the revitalisation of city centres, the physical regeneration of cities, and the development of tourist facilities that can be used by residents as well as tourists. Dublin and more recently Belfast are good examples.

Whilst Ireland is very much reliant on British operators and the British market for inclusive tours to destinations outside of the British Isles, it has, especially though Ryanair, been part of the low-cost airline revolution. This has opened up many city destinations across Europe directly to Irish residents without having to rely on connecting flights in Great Britain. The increased use of the Internet to purchase travel products, in particular air tickets and hotel accommodation, is also facilitating and encouraging city break holidays amongst Irish consumers.

Other Mintel reports of relevance include:

- Special Report, Holidays - Coping with a Crisis, 2002

- Short Breaks in the US, Consumer Intelligence - US Report, March 2002

- British on Holiday at Home, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, March 2002

- TTI Country Report No 1 Europe, January 2002

- Holiday Bookings, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, January 2002

- Special Report, Holidays - Planning, Buying and Financing Holidays from the UK, 2001

- Ireland Outbound, Travel Intelligence - European Report, November 2001

- Directly Booked Holidays, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, August 2001

- Airlines, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, June 2001

- Northern Ireland Country Report, Travel Intelligence - European Report, June 2001

- The International Hotel Industry, Travel Intelligence - Global Report, April 2001

- European City Reports, Travel Intelligence - European Report, March 2001

- No-Frills/Low-Cost Airlines, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, February 2001

- Ireland Country Report, Travel Intelligence - European Report, January 2001

- Special Report, Third Age (The) - A Time to Travel, 2000

- The World's Leading Outbound Markets, Travel Intelligence - Global Report, October 2000

- The European Leisure Travel Industry, Travel Intelligence - European Report, October 2000

- Low-Cost Airlines, Travel Intelligence - Global Report, September 2000

and the forthcoming:

- Family holidays - UK and Euro Report, June 2002

- Short Breaks Abroad, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, June 2002

- Independent Holidays, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, September 2002.