Ireland's tourism industry is headed for another strong year in 2016.

This year it was worth around €7.3bn to the economy, which the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation says was the best year ever.

The number of overseas visitors also jumpred by 14%, with over eight million people arriving on our shores for holidays, business and family visits.

The group is predicting 6,800 new jobs in the tourism sector next year and it says a capital spend of around quarter of a billion euro is needed to ensure growth in tourism in sustainable.

Chairman of the ITIC Paul Gallagher says economic recoveries in our main markets are fueling growth:

However, the body says hotel capacity needs to be increased in Dublin, and 5,000 new beds are required by 2020. It is also calling for the Government to invest €250m in tourism infrastructure.