Today, Thursday 14th January, GUINNESS STOREHOUSE announced that it has reached the one million visitor mark in 2009, despite the economic downturn, and is set to retain its position as Ireland’s No. 1 visitor attraction and as the third biggest brand experience in the world*.

Speaking at the announcement today, Managing Director, Paul Carty said; "We are delighted that we had the opportunity to welcome over one million people through our doors in 2009. It was no mean feat with the year that was in it. The Irish tourism industry is under severe pressure, closing the year with a 12% fall in overseas arrivals. Within this context, it is reassuring for us at GUINNESS STOREHOUSE to record a positive performance that still achieves and surpasses 1 million visitors."

Mr. Carty continued "If we zoom in on our performance, up until October last year, GUINNESS STOREHOUSE had actually increased visitor numbers exceeding the past year by 1,000. November and December delivered a weaker influx, hence generating an overall total of only –1% visitors in 2009 on 2008".

In 2009, UK visitors declined by 26%. However, this decline was offset by a strong USA performance (+12%) combined with a resounding 19% growth from European countries. Within Europe, France, Italy and Spain spearheaded the positive performance with +26%, +21% and +23% respectively.

In 2009, the top ranking nationalities that visited the Storehouse were UK, USA, Italy, Ireland, Germany, France, Australia, and Scandinavia.

This year GUINNESS STOREHOUSE is also celebrating 10 years since welcoming its first visitors back in November 2000. Since then, it is estimated that over 7.5 million people from all over the world have visited this unique Guinness experience, set in the heart of St. James's Gate Brewery.

GUINNESS STOREHOUSE looks set to experience a considerable increase in the number of Irish residents visiting the historic building this year. In the past six months, Irish visitors to the Storehouse have increased by 40% and with the prevalence of the "staycation" fast becoming the choice for many, this figure is set to grow further 2010.

To mark its 10-year anniversary, GUINNESS STOREHOUSE has issued thousands of Ambassador Cards to their loyal customers, allowing them free access for the year. In addition to this, visitors in 2010 can look forward to a host of exciting events throughout the year including food demonstrations, photographic exhibitions, live music and interactive tours and much more!

For more details on upcoming events log onto www.guinness-storehouse.com

ENDS

For further information please contact:
Ruth Gleeson, WHPR.
Tel: 01-6690030 / 087-696 4953

*Source: Economic Research Agency 2008

Notes to editors:

• GUINNESS STOREHOUSE building was erected between 1902 and 1904 for use in the fermentation process
• The building is 125 feet high, 170 feet long and 151 feet wide.
• It would take 14.3 million pints of Guinness to fill the giant glass atrium in centre of the GUINNESS STOREHOUSE building
• Gravity Bar is the highest bar in Dublin located 46 metres off the ground

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