A survey conducted by Hastings Hotels reveals that 74pc of people in Ireland plan to holiday on the island this year.
A survey of 1,700 people reported that 60pc of respondents said unpredictable Irish climate influenced their holiday decisions, 21pc avoid air travel due to environmental impact and 41pc considering accommodation sustainability policies.
Half of respondents believe Ireland provides good value for money for holidays, while increasing costs result in 37pc of participants spending more compared to last year. Some are willing to splurge for enhanced experiences, despite budget constraints.
Home holidays are preferred for their convenience, local attraction exploration, and relaxation opportunities, with spa facilities being the most important amenities for respondents when choosing a hotel, followed by pools, recreational offerings, and gourmet dining options.
James McGinn, Managing Director of Hastings Hotels said “we’re encouraged to see that so many holidaymakers opting for staycations this year. With a portfolio of six hotels the great thing is that our hotels are easily accessible and involve no air travel. With Belfast’s new Grand Central Station, guests can take the train and be within a five-minute walk from two of our city centre hotels. For those who prefer to drive, four of our hotels are only 1.5 hours from Dublin, and these are located beside some of Belfast’s biggest and most popular attractions and landmarks. At Hastings Hotels we are committed to sustainability with rigorous policies in place across each of the hotels to minimise our carbon footprint, while still providing exceptional service to each individual guest.”
