Queen's visit sparks tourists' interest in visiting Ireland
The Queen’s visit to Ireland has sparked a surge in interest in tourist trips.
So far this month, searches on the Hotels.com UK website have risen by 69% for Dublin, 74% for Cork, 191% for Kildare and 80% for Tipperary compared with the same period last year.
Ireland has also become more attractive due to a 4% fall – to an average of €80 - in hotel room prices, Hotels.com said.
The company’s survey showed the average cost of a room in Dublin has dipped 7% to €78.50 and Dublin is one of the 15 best-value cities for high-end accommodation, with four-star hotel rooms at €84 and five-star ones at €150.
Another boost comes from the cutting of the VAT rate for the tourism industry from 13.5% to 9% to stimulate the economy.
Hotels.com Ireland and UK market management director Seamus MacCormaic said: “There is no doubt that Ireland currently offers excellent value to visitors and the high-profile visits of the Queen and President Obama have led to a boost in interest in the destination.
“Average hotel prices in Ireland are now the cheapest in western Europe and we expect to see them remain at this level for some time.”
