Major Fall In Visitor Numbers Puts Irish Puts Irish tourism at Risk

Ireland’s tourism higher-ups are sounding the alarm, and for once it’s not because a pint has hit €47 plus VAT. The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) says the sector is at a “tipping point” with visitor numbers dropping in double digits everywhere except the US. Great Britain, Europe, even Irish staycations (hate this word but it is the best fit) are all seeing softer numbers.

ITIC wants the Government to pump an extra €90 million into tourism services, bringing the total to €340 million, and crucially bring back the 9% VAT rate for hospitality. They say it’s the fastest way to give struggling restaurants, hotels and attractions a fighting chance, and they’re fine with McDonald’s being left out of it.

The problem is Ireland’s not exactly cheap. Eurostat just named us the second most expensive country in the EU, and those costs trickle down to your restaurant bill, hotel stay and pint.

They also want the Dublin Airport passenger cap lifted, currently stuck at 32 million a year, while boosting Cork and Shannon airports too. With 70% of the tourist economy relying on international visitors, they argue every seat matters.

Bottom line: if prices keep climbing, visitors might start choosing Spain… and that’s a battle we won’t win.