However, with €2.14 billion spent by tourists, income increased by 10%.

During the three months, Ireland welcomed nearly 2 million foreign tourists, a 1% increase over the same period previous year.

The most valuable market, worth €843 million, was North America, where tourist numbers increased by 9% and overnight stays grew by 14%.

While the average duration of stay decreased by 15%, the number of tourists from mainland Europe increased by 1%.

In the meantime, British tourists decreased by 5% and their duration of stay decreased by 12%.

"Data for the third quarter presents a mixed bag," ITIC Chair Niall MacCarthy stated.

"Demand has been very mixed and we're now heading into the traditionally quieter period," he stated.

According to the ITIC, the sector was being strained by capacity limitations, such as Dublin Airport's passenger quota, and rising operating expenses.

"Business margins are under real pressure," ITIC CEO Eoghan O'Mara Walsh stated.

"Data from Fáilte Ireland shows that 64% of tourism and hospitality businesses expect profitability to be down on last year" , he stated.

According to Mr. O'Mara Walsh, the most recent tourist budget was unsatisfactory.

"As we look forward to the next Government there has to be increased political and economic attention paid to tourism issues," he stated.

"The industry can’t be taken for granted in a highly competitive global sector and we urge all parties to adopt these key asks within their political manifesto," he stated.