Tourism increases

Tourism increases

Áine Ryan

COUNTY Mayo had ‘a particularly good pre-season’ in the tourist industry this year, while tourist traffic significantly increased through the Westport Tourism Office in the first half of 2007, according to figures provided to The Mayo News by Ireland West, Fáilte Ireland’s regional tourism body. The figures reveal a 33 per cent increase in Westport, with numbers up all over the county and the western region, in spite of one of the worst summers, weather-wise, in recent times.
Fáilte Ireland’s Regional Manager, Ms Fiona Monaghan, said that continued availability of hotel beds was not indicative of a slump in the peak season market, as people increasingly tended to book much closer to the time. She further confirmed a new domestic holiday pattern, entailing regular short breaks as opposed to the traditional two-week summer holiday, as a pivotal development.
“People are more price-conscious and often wait for last-minute deals, meaning that the trade is not concentrated on the peak season,” said Ms Monaghan. She also confirmed the significant slump in B&B business and alluded to the lack of interest by a potential new generation of such providers, citing the working commitment involved as a factor.
“All urban areas are benefiting to the detriment of rural areas due to access, facilities, no critical mass and, of course, the drink-driving laws have been influential. Irish people have higher expectations of the product and, on top of that is the increased availability of international destinations,” she continued.
Hotel Westport’s long-time manager, Mr Gerry Walshe further validated Mayo News research indicating the demise of the traditional two-week annual family holiday.
“The two-week family holiday has actually been gone for years. However, our [summer] business is still families taking shorter breaks from Ireland, Northern Ireland, not so much the UK, as well as some American coaches,” said Mr Walshe, adding that ‘June has been very good, July is holding its own and August looks fine’.
Asked about a special offer deal on the hotel’s website for €39, he explained it referred to one particular date and was not indicative of a slump.
“All hoteliers experience valleys on one particular night for some reason. Our tariffs are normal for the peak season,” he said.
Regarding the so-called ‘overheating of the hotel market’, Mr Walshe observed: “We’re suffering the same as everybody else throughout the country. There is an over-supply of hotels; it’s a punter’s paradise.” 
Meanwhile, in an in-depth analysis of the tourist industry in Mayo, conducted by The Mayo News this week, it was revealed that Mayo’s accommodation prices compare very favourably with non-city locations in England, Scotland and Wales, while the future of hostel accommodation in the county appears to be in serious doubt. Also, representatives of a number of Mayo’s key tourist attractions have highlighted the need for more co-operation between tourism agencies, while the improvement of facilities at Ireland West Airport Knock has also been cited as ‘vital’ to the future of tourism in the county.