Growing demand for staycations as costs and travel uncertainty rise

Four in ten adults in Ireland would choose the country for their main holiday this year, according to new research.

The research, commissioned by Hastings Hotels, included 2,160 adults living in Ireland and shows a demand for holidays closer to home.

The main concerns among holidaymakers are travel uncertainty, rising costs and value for money, as the cost of living continues to rise.

Another key factor in people's decisions is weather, with one in two respondents saying that consistently good weather would make them choose a break at home.

83 per cent of respondents said they were worried about delays and cancellations, and 27 per cent who are “very concerned”.

Managing Director of Hastings Hotels, James McGinn, said: “People still want memorable holidays and quality experiences, but there is definitely greater focus now on certainty, ease and value.

“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.”

Many households are trying to watch their spending, and consumers are prioritising holidays that offer flexibility, accessibility and good value experiences.

Interestingly, one in two respondents believes that Northern Ireland offers better value for money than the Republic.

These findings come just as there has been strong recent growth in cross-border tourism to Northern Ireland. Recent figures showed that trips from the Republic to the North increased by 15 per cent last year alone.