Tourism sentiment soars to highest levels since Celtic Tiger years

Tourism sentiment soars to highest levels since Celtic Tiger years

Fáilte Ireland survey: most tourism businesses enjoy busy and profitable Summer season and very optimistic about future


Almost three quarters (74%) of tourism businesses are upbeat about their 2014 business performance according to the latest Fáilte Ireland Tourism Barometer which was published today.

The survey of tourism businesses, carried out in August and September, records business sentiment at a level not seen since the Celtic Tiger years:

Business Sentiment Index
 
            2007     2008     2009     2010     2011     2012     2013     2014
Up           45       14       15         28          39         48        68         75
Same      24       18       11          25          31         26        21         17
Down      31       68       74          47          30         26        11           8

The recovery in tourism is now apparent across the country with all regions now reporting strong accommodation sector increases on last year. The South West, in particular, has enjoyed an exceptional performance so far this year with 84% of respondents reporting business to be up on 2013. Many respondents in that region cited the recent Fáilte Ireland initiative, The Wild Atlantic Way, as a positive factor this year.

Dublin, which has been leading the recovery in tourism fortunes, continues to perform strongly and the Shannon region, where improvements at the local airport are mentioned as a positive factor, is also recording robust growth.

See Tourism Accommodation Sector Regional Performance here

Commenting on today’s research, Shaun Quinn CEO of Fáilte Ireland said:

“Business sentiment amongst the Tourism trade is buoyant and that’s no surprise as the industry is now experiencing growth in all sectors and throughout the country.

“For now, tourism is back but this has been a very hard won recovery. It has taken a mixture of sacrifice and innovation by many operators – as well as far-sighted Government support for the sector - to make Ireland a competitive destination again. Fáilte Ireland initiatives such as ‘The Gathering’ and ‘The Wild Atlantic way’ have also strengthened our hand as we pitch for visitors from overseas.”

“The danger now for tourism would be to allow complacency to creep back in. To sustain this year’s growth, we need to remain competitive, build on our appeal and continue to aggressively target those segments of our markets with the most potential”.


Other points to note from today’s survey of tourism businesses include:

• A strong majority (79%) of accommodation providers report an increase in visitor volumes so far this year, compared to the same period last year.

• As in previous years, hotels remain the strongest sector, with 82% of respondents reporting an increase in visitors. However, 2014 has also proved to be a good year for guesthouses (69% report increased visitors) and B&Bs (60% are up).

• The overseas market has provided sharp increases for restaurants, with 72% of respondents reporting their overseas visitor volumes to be up on 2013.

• Decent summers and signs of improved economies in Ireland and overseas are seeing operators becoming more optimistic, with some beginning to reinvest in their own products.

• So far this year, Germany, North America and to some extent Great Britain are becoming stronger markets, and many also report greater volumes and spending within the domestic market.

• For those on the west coast, the Wild Atlantic Way continues to be a draw for visitors and is strongly appreciated by operators and industry leaders.

• While the proportion is dropping, fuel and energy costs remain a concern for 58% of respondents. Low-priced competition and other operating costs also remain significant issues for some in the industry.

A full copy of the Barometer and all its findings can be accessed here [LINK]


ENDS

For further information please contact:

Alex Connolly – Head of Communications
086 7966320/01 8847884

Louise Tolerton - Press Officer
086 6086578/01 8847135

Jump to top

Archives:

Keep up to date on tourism news

Stay informed of all industry news with our fortnightly newsletter.

Sign up for our e-newsletter