Travel uncertainty, rising costs and demand for value-driven breaks are reshaping holiday plans this summer, with new research showing more than 8 in 10 Irish holidaymakers are concerned about flight disruption. A fifth are avoiding overseas travel altogethr
Commissioned by Hastings Hotels, the survey of over 2,160 adults in Ireland also points to growing demand for family staycations and short breaks closer to home. A total of 38 per cent said that a staycation will be their main holiday this year.
Not surprisingly, sunshine plays a big factor, with one in two saying consistently good weather in Ireland would make them choose a holiday here over going abroad.
Concern around travel disruption remains high, with 83 per cent worried about delays and cancellations when travelling abroad this year – including 27 per cent who are “very concerned”.
Global uncertainty and rising travel costs are also influencing their holiday decisions, with 19 per cent of respondents saying recent international events have “significantly affected” their travel plans and they are not travelling abroad. A further 49 per cent said global issues and costs are having some influence their travel plans this year.
“People still want memorable holidays and quality experiences, but there is definitely greater focus now on certainty, ease and value,” said James McGinn, Managing Director of Hastings Hotels.
“For many people, and especially families, the appeal of shorter travel times, less planning and stress is becoming increasingly important when choosing where to holiday.
“The research suggests staycations are evolving from being seen as a back-up option to becoming a deliberate and attractive holiday choice in their own right.”
Family staycations are expected to be especially strong this year, with more than six in 10 people surveyed saying they are likely to take a family break in Ireland over the coming months.
With many households continuing to watch spending carefully, consumers are increasingly prioritising holidays that offer flexibility, accessible travel and added-value experiences rather than long-haul trips requiring extensive planning and additional costs.
One in two believe Northern Ireland offers better value for money than the Republic.
The findings come amid strong growth in cross-border tourism to Northern Ireland, with recent figures showing trips from the Republic to the North increased by 15 per cent last year, while visitor spending rose by 31 per cent to almost £317 million – the equivalent of over €367 million.
Industry figures have pointed to value for money as a driver behind the increase.
Mr McGinn said that while consumers are becoming more value-conscious, they still want quality experiences. Northern Ireland is increasingly being recognised as offering that combination of value and high-quality hospitality, he said.
To meet growing demand for domestic tourism, Hastings Hotels is introducing a range of new packages aimed at families and short-break travellers this summer, including a City and Coast experience linking the Grand Central Hotel in Belfast with Ballygally Castle on the Antrim coast, alongside new family packages at its hotels in Belfast including the Culloden Estate & Spa, the Grand Central and Stormont.
