A new campaign by Tourism Ireland is hoping to grow numbers of visitors from the Middle East.

The body has teamed up with dnata Travel, one of the biggest travel companies in the region.

The campaign includes ads on radio and social platforms - highlighting an attractive Ireland package price, and reminding potential visitors that a visa is no longer required for United Arab Emirates nationals travelling here.

According to Tourism Ireland, Ireland welcomed around 71,000 visitors from the Middle East in 2017.

Aisling McDermott is Tourism Ireland's manager for Asia and the Middle East.

She said: "We are delighted to partner with dnata Travel, to promote the island of Ireland in the UAE.

An advert on social media, in conjunction with dnata Travel, in the UAE | Image: Tourism Ireland

"In our promotions, Tourism Ireland is highlighting the removal of Ireland's visa requirement for UAE citizens, to encourage more Emiratis to visit."

"While Tourism Ireland is working hard to promote the island of Ireland in traditional markets like Great Britain and the US, we also realise the importance of expanding our focus to the longer-term opportunities presented by emerging markets like the Middle East.

"As well as co-operation with key travel partners like dnata Travel, our activity also includes extensive publicity, social media promotions and email marketing."

It comes as new CSO fugues show overseas visitor numbers increased by almost 8% during the January-July period.

While the number of tourists traveling from Britain to Ireland remains a concern.