In the context of the exceptionally challenging conditions affecting nearly all of Ireland’s main markets, overall visitor numbers held up quite well in 2008. According to figures published by the Central Statistics Office, there were 8.0 million overseas visitors to Ireland in 2008, a slight fall of 3.7% on the record performance in 2007. These visitors generated an estimated EUR 4.8 billion in service exports. Together with a projected EUR 1.5 billion generated by tourism spending by Irish residents (which grew strongly in recent years as the domestic economy and household incomes grew), Irish tourism is estimated to be worth at least EUR 6.3 billion in 2008 (equivalent to 4.1% of GNP). In employment terms, it is estimated that in 2008, the Irish tourism and hospitality industry sustained close to 250 000 jobs.