Fáilte Ireland report shows significant decline in visitor numbers and challenges due to increased costs for the sector
Disappointing summer for many operators
- 24% of businesses have had more customers this summer compared to last summer, and 23% have had the same
level; however, 53% have had fewer - This follows on from the May barometer, which showed a slow start to 2024
- Visitor volumes are down in all markets and in all regions of Ireland
- A number of factors have combined to give a disappointing summer – bad weather (cited by 51% as a concern), people
lacking disposable income (51%), cost of tourist accommodation (46%) and lack of tourist accommodation (43%) - These challenges are in addition to the continued high levels of concern about rising operating costs
Variation by sector
- Self-catering operators have bucked the trend this summer, with 36% seeing increased visitor levels, compared to 25%
reporting to be down - 43% of inbound tour operators & DMCs have seen more visitors, compared to 40% reporting to be down
- The food & drink sector has struggled the most, with 68% receiving fewer customers this summer
Expectations for the remainder of the year are not optimistic
- 19% of operators expect business during the remainder of the year to be up on the same period last year, and
31% expect the same level - However, half (50%) expect to be down
- All regions of Ireland and all markets are expected to be down
Read the full report by Fáilte Ireland here.
