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Wexford plans 'Staycation' drive

Wexford plans to lead the way in attracting home holidaymakers this year.

'The Sunny South East' is preparing a marketing campaign themed “Co Wexford is Open”. The idea is among several proposals sent this week to Heather Humphreys, the hookhead Minister for Business, by Wexford Chamber.

The 'Reviving Wexford' report assesses the county’s options for renewal under several headings. Tourism is presented as a prime opportunity to attract business during the ongoing pandemic, given the likelihood of there being pent-up demand from lockdown-weary domestic tourists from nearby Dublin.

Kerry plans canopies and marquees

Canopies on pedestrianised malls, and marquees outside pubs and restaurants could become the norm in Kerry as plans to allow premises expand onto the street area are tralee0520 advanced.

Huge revenue losses in Kerry, along with more than €20 million shortfall in rates to the local authority are anticipated due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Even medium-sized pubs and cafes would only be able to cater for ten or 12 people under new social distancing guidelines, and this would not be financially viable, Mayor of Tralee Cllr Jim Finucane said.

The Mall in Tralee along with the already pedestrianised town square is likely to be the first to be offered and allowed to install canopies on premises.

In Killarney, where pedestrianisation has proved controversial, there are plans for marquees as well as canopies outside premises.

Occupancy slumps to 12.6%

According to travel research firm STR, the occupancy rate for the small number of hotels that were open in the Republic of Ireland in April was 12.6%. bedroom2

STR data has revealed that the hotel occupancy rate in Dublin decreased 85% last month from the figure for April of 2019 to 16.2% due to the COVID-19 crisis while occupancy in regional Ireland decreased by 80%,.

Meanwhile, revenue per available room (RevPAR) declined 90% in Dublin last month from the figure for April of last year to €11.54, and the average daily room rate in the capital dropped over 30% from the figure for April of 2019 to €91.83. In regional Ireland, RevPAR decreased 86% last month from April of 2019 to €13.47 while the average daily room rate declined 31% to €83.28.

CIE Tours selling 2021

CIE Tours has released its 2021 groups incentive offer earlier than before and with a larger advisor bonus. Travel advisors can earn an $800 booking bonus plus commission for booking a group of 10 or more travelers with CIE Tours. The promotion applies to any of CIE Tours’ pre‐set itineraries to Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Iceland and Italy, be it a shared group vacation that links a group with other travelers, or a private group vacation. Plus, there is zero risk with no money required at booking.

Additional promotion perks of note: 50/50 co-op is available, there is a special discount for online transactions, advisors can earn up to three free places when booking a full coach, and they can extend up to 5% off to their clients thanks to CIE Tours’ early commitment benefit.

CIE Tours, have a dedicated group travel team ready to assist travel advisors with group planning and complimentary marketing materials.

Flotel plan for Coleraine

Seamus Carey,owner of the Crannagh Marina Complex in Coleraine, Co. Derry, has applied for planning permission to open the island of Ireland's first floating hotel.

He plans to transport a 70 metre long barge from Norway to Coleraine for an eight-week refurbishment that will transform it into a 36-cabin, three-star floating accommodation venue.He hopes to have the hotel up and running by the summer of 2021, and intends to employ approximately 50 people at the venue.

The Irish Times quotes Carey as saying, "We believe the floating hotel will enhance our offering and enable visitors to stay and enjoy not only the facilities at the Crannagh, but all the wonderful offerings of the north coast."