Tourism Businesses Report Poor Summer Trading – Fáilte Ireland Survey
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Irish Tourism Revenue Mixed in Summer 2024, Shift to Cooler Climates Noted
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A new survey reveals a challenging summer for many Irish tourism businesses, though overall results were better than initially feared. A trend of tourists seeking cooler European destinations is emerging.
Key Findings of the Welcome Ireland Tourism Barometer
A majority of Irish tourism businesses reported either a decline in revenue or stagnation this summer, according to the latest “Tourism Barometer” survey conducted by Fáilte Ireland, the national tourism development authority. The survey, released in October 2024, paints a mixed picture of the tourism season.
The survey found that 43% of all tourism businesses experienced a decrease in income compared to the same period in 2023. An additional 20% reported no change in business levels, meaning only 37% of businesses saw an increase in revenue.
Sectoral Performance
Performance varied substantially across different sectors. Hotels and tourist attractions fared relatively well, with 54% of hotels and 46% of tourist attractions reporting increased turnover. hotel owners noted a decline in longer stays, offset by a rise in shorter breaks. However, restaurants (64%) and Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs) (52%) reported particularly challenging conditions this summer.
| Sector | % reporting Revenue Increase | % Reporting No Change | % Reporting Revenue Decrease |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotels | 54% | N/A | N/A |
| Tourist Attractions | 46% | N/A | N/A |
| Restaurants | N/A | N/A | 64% |
| B&Bs | N/A | N/A | 52% |
| Overall | 37% | 20% | 43% |
Regional Variations and the Wild Atlantic Way
The impact of the summer season wasn’t uniform across Ireland. Businesses located along the Wild atlantic Way and in Ireland’s Ancient East generally managed to perform better than those in other regions. Specific data on regional performance was not detailed in the initial Fáilte Ireland report, but further analysis is expected.
The Rise of “Cooler climate” Tourism
Fáilte Ireland observed a trend where overseas tourists are increasingly choosing destinations with cooler weather, specifically to avoid the intense heat experienced in Southern Europe during the summer months.This shift in preference is a potential factor contributing to the mixed results for Irish tourism.
Southern Europe experienced record-breaking heatwaves in the summer of