Irish Holidaymakers Spent €84 Million Per Day During May
Holidaymakers from Ireland have spent a whopping €84m a day in May this year. As summer approaches, many Irish people are flocking to popular European holiday destinations in Spain, Portugal, and Italy. Many travelers are taking advantage of ending COVID-19 restrictions in most EU countries.
The numbers
According to the latest figures shared by the Irish Independent, holidaymakers spent €84m in May, an increase of €15m compared to the previous month. Consumer spending on flying abroad was up 24% since the lifting of international travel restrictions, and up 268% compared with May 2021.
However, as people shift from having staycations to flying internationally, spending on domestic hotels in Ireland fell by €4m. Despite a public campaign by the Department of Tourism in Ireland, people are looking for sun and are eager to fly again.
It’s not all bad, however. Irish airlines such as Aer Lingus and Ryanair are booming. As Ireland is an island nation, flying is essential for holidaymakers.
Ryanair’s passenger numbers are currently up 13.6 million in May compared to the previous year. Aer Lingus has yet to release passenger numbers.
COVID boom
As expected, people are eager to get abroad and catch the summer sun. Ireland took advantage of its island status back during the COVID-19 lockdown. The Irish government introduced a controversial measure of mandatory hotel quarantine for some passengers arriving from certain counties. Ireland was one of a very few EU countries to implement such a system.
As of this week, travelers flying to the United States are no longer required to show a negative COVID test. This move was welcomed by Aer Lingus, American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta, all of which fly stateside from Ireland.
The European Union COVID Digital Certificate has been very useful to travelers also. As Ireland is a member of the European Union, travelers flying abroad can show their certificate upon entry into countries still requiring it.
The pandemic and lockdowns heavily impacted the two major Irish airlines. Both Aer Lingus and Ryanair struggled to keep the cash flow. They were regularly receiving funding from the State.
Dublin Airport Woes
The situation at Dublin Airport can only be described as dire. Travellers are left waiting in queues for up to 2 hours at its peak. The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) blame the long waiting times on staff shortages due to COVID-19.
The Airport Authority was forced to erect a makeshift tent as a waiting area for passengers who arrived too early for their flight, causing more delays.
The long queues have made a real headache for airline bosses and passengers alike. As of today, Sunday, the Dublin Airport Authority recommends that travelers flying short-haul (i.e. Europe and UK flights) arrive 2.5 hours before their flight while also allowing extra time for bag drop.
For long-haul flights to the States or the Middle East, travelers must arrive 3.5 hours before their flight. Those who arrive early must wait outside terminals in an allocated waiting area.
Politicians in Ireland have called for the Minister for Transport, Eamonn Ryan, to bring in members from the Irish Defense Forces to help.
What do you think of the return of Summer Holidays abroad? Have you been on your holiday? Let us know in the comments below.
Source: The Irish Independent
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