Fáilte Ireland: Don’t get complacent on prices
Fáilte Ireland bosses have warned that tourism operators can’t get carried away and start hiking prices and being complacent about standards.
“It is vitally important that everyone in tourism keeps a firm grip on those things we can control, particularly competitiveness and our value for money,” said Fáilte Ireland chief executive Shaun Quinn.
It says tourists are not just heading to Dublin and the other cities, with the Wild Atlantic Way a huge attraction for holidaymakers.
Some 75% of tourism businesses reported a strong first quarter, with European and US numbers up.
Up to 78% of hotel owners said business was improving year on year, and half noting an increased domestic spend, with a stronger economy meant people had more money to spend on weekend and short breaks.
Despite the growth in Airbnb, 63% of guesthouse owners saw more overseas guests in the past quarter compared to last year. Hostels are doing well with 67% reporting better business.
Mr Quinn said: “After years of retrenchment, accommodation providers have returned to putting money back into their business and are now seeing the rewards.”
However, he warned that the sector is vulnerable to changes in international economics and politics.
“As always, when sentiment is upbeat, there is a need for caution to avoid any complacency,” he said. “Indeed, some operators are acutely aware that things could change quickly and the possible fall-out from Brexit, should it happen, has been raised by some.”
