Sizzling weather cooks up a €500m staycation bonanza
THE heatwave has delivered a €500m economic bonanza for the tourism, hotel and food industries as thousands choose to take an impromptu staycation.
The Mediterranean conditions are now delivering a tourism boom as Irish families splash out on meals, hotels, seaside rentals, drinks, ice creams, garden furniture and beach clothing.
Weather-related elements in the food and drinks sector, such as the cider industry, are also savouring a sharp increase in sales.
The 2018 World Cup in Russia is also having a major impact, with pubs reporting brisk business – especially among venues with outdoor viewing areas.
Ice cream sales are anecdotally up by around 20pc compared to the same period last year.
Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) members said the fine weather had seen bookings soar, particularly along coastal areas.
Seaside areas have also seen a surge in demand for property rentals as Irish families opt to holiday at home and enjoy a staycation rather than travel abroad for last-minute breaks.
Ironically, Ireland is currently warmer than destinations such as the Canaries and the Algarve, traditionally popular with Irish holidaymakers at this time of year.
The catering industry is also benefiting from the feel-good factor associated with the fine weather.
One Restaurants Association of Ireland member said bookings were up by almost 15pc thanks to people opting to eat out and make the most of the sunshine.
Butchers confirmed there has been a surge in demand for barbecue meats, while outdoor suppliers Woodie’s said there has been a massive increase in sales of garden furniture, patio umbrellas and barbecues.
It is estimated an extended spell of fine weather could be worth up to €500m to the economy if, as predicted, it lasts until well into July.
Even foreign tourists, dazzled by the glorious weather, are increasingly extending their holidays.
With record transatlantic capacity into Ireland this year, tourism bosses are hoping 2018 will be a bumper year on the North American market.