Concerns over world events sees Irish people opting for a staycation
Almost four in ten people in Ireland will choose a staycation for their main holiday this year – with a fifth avoiding overseas travel altogether, a new poll shows, writes Pat Flanagan.
Concerns about flight disruptions and cancellations are putting people off, while almost a fifth are avoiding overseas travel altogether.
Worries around travel disruption remain high, with 83% concerned about delays and cancellations when travelling abroad this year – with 27% “very concerned”, the survey found.
The findings show that global uncertainty and rising travel costs are influencing their holiday decisions, with 19% of respondents saying recent international events have “significantly affected” their travel plans and that they are not travelling abroad.
A further 49% said global issues and costs are having some influence on their travel plans this year.
However, the events in the Persian Gulf could benefit the Irish hospitality sector with 38% of those asked saying that a staycation will be their main holiday this year.
Sunshine plays a big factor, with one in two saying good weather in Ireland would make them choose a holiday here over going abroad, the survey carried out by Hastings Hotels found.
Its boss James McGinn said: “People still want memorable holidays and quality experiences, but there is definitely greater focus now on certainty, ease and value.
“For many people, and especially families, the appeal of shorter travel times, less planning and stress is becoming increasingly important when choosing where to holiday.
“The research suggests staycations are evolving from being seen as a back-up option to becoming a deliberate and attractive holiday choice in their own right.”
He said that family staycations are expected to be especially strong this year, with more than six in ten people surveyed saying they are likely to take a family break in Ireland over the coming months.
The cost-of-living crisis could also have a bearing on holiday decisions with many households continuing to watch spending carefully.
The survey shows that consumers are increasingly prioritising holidays that offer flexibility, accessible travel and added-value experiences rather than longhaul trips requiring extensive planning and additional costs.
The research also found that one in two of those polled believe the North offers better value for money than the Republic.
The findings come amid strong growth in cross-border tourism to Northern Ireland, with recent figures showing trips from the Republic to the North increased by 15% last year, while visitor spending rose by 31% to almost €367m (£317m).
Sunshine plays a big factor, with one in two saying good weather in Ireland would make them choose a holiday here over going abroad
Mr McGinn also said Hastings Hotels is introducing a range of new packages aimed at families and short-break travellers this summer, including a city and coast experience linking the Grand Central Hotel in Belfast with Ballygally Castle on the Antrim coast.
The survey was of 2,166 adults across Ireland.
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