March 2021: CP&I – Consumer Update

07 April 2021

Uncertainty around travel restrictions and learning to live with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have created barriers to planning and booking holidays for most people. 

The latest figures show a drop of 56% of people intending to take a short break in Ireland in the next 12 months. Booking for long and short breaks in Ireland are at 12% of the normal rate with the following reasons cited for reluctance to book a trip:

They are waiting for - 

• Travel restrictions to be lifted (58%)

• Government to say it is safe to travel (51%)

• Confirmation of when hotels/resorts will open (31%)

• Confirmation of when restaurants/bars will again (30%)

• To be vaccinated (28%)

• Information on vaccine rollout (27%)

• Evidence of social distancing where I go (15%)

• Any special offers or deals (11%)

It is not all bad news however, as many are considering booking later in the year, with August, September and October the most likely months for short and long breaks in Ireland in 2021.

When it comes to accommodation choices, 55% are choosing hotels for short stays and 45% will stay in a hotel on a longer stay. Paid self-service accommodation is the choice for 21% of short stays and 22% of long stays.