Inland Fisheries’ report highlights economic benefits of angling tourism in Waterville area

A STUDY undertaken on angling tourism in Waterville has found that the daily spend of anglers far outweighs the spending of non-angling visitors to the area.

The study was carried out by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), and after surveying more than 200 anglers it found that angling visitors spend an average of just under €114 per day, or almost €645 per fishing trip.

Fáilte Ireland’s Tourism Fact Report 2015 cites expenditure of non-angling visitors and holiday makers at €68 and rising to €89 per person per day in 2015.

The research noted that most of the anglers’ expenditure is spent on non-angling items such as accommodation, restaurants and groceries.

An IFI spokesperson also highlighted angling visitors’ ‘ huge loyalty’ to Waterville.

“Of those surveyed, 40 per cent have visited the area more than 20 times, an extremely high return rate in tourism terms” the IFI said.

The vast majority of angling visitors – more than 75 per cent – came from Ireland, with just under 18 per cent coming from Great Britain.

“Almost a quarter of visitors stay longer than a week, and almost 100 per cent of those surveyed said they would like to return to Waterville again.”

CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland Ciaran Byrne said the research in the Waterville area confirms that angling is bringing huge economic value to this rural community.

“We cannot underestimate the importance of protecting this resource both in terms of our responsibility to the aquatic habitat and the fish that live there, but also to the community and local businesses which benefit hugely from the resource throughout the year,” she added.