Retail and hospitality sectors are reporting an increase in tourist spending.
The Kilkenny group reports that international card spend was at 40% of 2019 levels in February, this increased to 59% in March and reached 87% in April.
The retailer reports that the leading visitor countries are still the US, the UK then followed by Canada and Australia.
Consumers are supporting Irish design, locally produced products and seeking products that are sustainably sourced.
Fáilte Ireland is forecasting a strong domestic market this year with 80% of last year’s staycationers reporting that they hope to repeat the experience particularly availing of more short breaks.
€10 million euro has been allocated to a new Keep Discovering Ireland campaign.
83% of air passenger recovery is expected by World Aviation authorities this year up from 32% last year as the pandemic recedes.
380 cruises are also scheduled to visit Ireland in 2022.
Concerns have been expressed in some locations about the impacts on local economies where hotel accommodation has been block booked to provide accommodation for refugees from Ukraine.
