According to recent data from Fáilte Ireland, almost half of the providers in this region had a dismal summer travel season, reports RTE.
Of those in the business, 53% reported having fewer clients than they had the previous summer, while 23% reported similar numbers and 24% recorded higher numbers.
The National Tourism Development Authority’s figures also revealed a decline in the number of visitors visiting Ireland across all markets and areas.
Both the domestic and foreign visitor markets are reflecting the difficult year to date; in fact, the crucial North American market, which supported a large portion of the increase in the previous year, is experiencing difficulties, reports RTE.
According to the most recent Fáilte Ireland Tourism Barometer, which polled 1,002 tourism-related businesses, a combination of factors came together to cause the unsatisfactory summer.
Among them was inclement weather, which was mentioned as a worry by slightly more than half of the operators.
Fifty percent of the respondents also mentioned that their customers’ lack of discretionary income was an issue, reports RTE.
More than four out of ten respondents also mentioned the price of lodging and the scarcity of lodging, respectively.
Those surveyed expressed persistent concerns about growing operational expenses, especially those related to employment, electricity, and insurance.
Companies stated that they have serious difficulties in making a profit because of the combination of falling visitor numbers and growing expenses, reports RTE.
84% of food and beverage companies and 78% of hotels and guesthouses reported lower profitability than the previous summer.
However, self-catering businesses were able to defy the trend, with over a third reporting higher visitor numbers compared to a quarter reporting lower numbers.
However, at least 60% of establishments that sell food and beverages as well as activity providers claimed that business was down, reports RTE.
Operator expectations for the remainder of 2024 are likewise bleak.
Just under a third predict the same level of business, 19% anticipate visitor numbers to increase, and half expect business levels to decline year over year, reports RTE.
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