Ireland's tourism industry has been handed EUR9m (£7.8m) worth of funding to help drive a winter marketing campaign, which will reach a global audience of 'at least' 20 million.

In addition to Tourism Ireland funding supported by air travel tax revenues, matched funding will be provided by a number of partner companies such as Ryanair and Stena Line.

Irish minister for transport, tourism and sport Leo Varadkar said the latest funding builds on the government's Jobs Initiative and will help deliver additional visitors by the end of 2011.

Varadkar said: "Ireland's tourism industry is now showing signs of recovery, with overseas visitor numbers rising by almost 12 per cent in the first seven months of this year.

"I hope that measures like this will see visitor numbers continue to rise further for the rest of this year and next, and in the run-up to The Gathering in 2013."

The funding announcement comes after Varadkar revealed plans for The Gathering, which is to be Ireland's largest ever tourism initiative and could attract 325,000 extra visitors.

It will comprise a series of flagship festivals held throughout the year, showcasing the best of Irish arts, sports and food, while helping to create further spin-off events.

Details: www.gatheringireland.com

Image: Hans-Peter Bock