‘Quite positive’ Easter but tourism challenges lie ahead

The tourism and hospitality sector in Donegal faces a “difficult season” despite a satisfactory Easter, the Chair of the Donegal branch of the Irish Hoteliers Federation (IHF) has said.
Paul Diver said tourism in Donegal was down 20% to 30% on what people would have considered normal before the pandemic.
“Easter was quite positive and was busy,” he said. “Overall, the outlook for the season is quite soft. There is not the same level of overseas business as we would have had back in 2018-2019.
“It would be well down on last year but people were coming out of Covid and had a lot of spare cash saved up, so there was a spike in demand. It is going to be a very difficult tourism season.

Bundoran Beach and Promenade Walk, a popular destination for thousands of tourists Picture Thomas Gallagher

“In Donegal, we have the Wild Atlantic Way and this is still very popular and still doing what it was designed to do. But costs are out of control and some of the elements have nothing to do with the war in Ukraine, with some people putting up the prices just for the sake of it.
“The other positive for Donegal is that we are still seen as giving great value for money. The majority of hotels in Donegal are family owned and managed. They are not owned by investors,whose priority is profit. Here in Donegal, our main priority is creating secure employment and value for money.
“That is quite different from other places and there still is plenty of supply of accommodation here for the levels of visitors that come here.”

Narin Portnoo beach. Photo: Thomas Gallagher

He added that value for money and repeat business from those who had visited the county during the pandemic ‘staycation’ initiative for the first time, was now also paying handsome dividends.
Councillor Michael McMahon is the chair of the Board of Management of Bundoran’s Waterworld.
“Waterworld had a very good Easter, averaging between 600 to 700 customers per day,” he said. “We would be very happy with this. And it looks like it will be a good summer for it. There were quite a lot of people around Bundoran for the Easter period, even if the weather was not perfect.
“Regarding the hospitality sector, one problem is getting people to work. There is a scarcity of workers within the hospitality sector.”
He added that there was plenty of work within the sector locally and he cited the possibility of unsocial hours as a potential factor, rather than any pay issues.
Jerry Early, owner of Early’s Bar on Arranmore, said more and more people are visiting islands since the pandemic, and Arranmore is no exception to the rule.

Donegal Town Castle Picture Thomas Gallagher

“Easter was very good - best Easter we had in many days. The Easter bank holiday saw a vintage tractor run come from the mainland onto the island.
“It brought a big crowd home and many members of the diaspora were also home for Easter, so, all in all, it is a good start.”
The number of visitors to the island is bound to increase in May with two festivals certain to attract music lovers, Féile Róise Rua and The Rock on the Rock festival.
It is an exciting time for both islanders and tourists alike as the first-ever marine blueway is on the brink of being launched. Islanders and visitors will be able to enjoy scuba diving as part of their island experience.
A number of e-bikes are also available on the island as well so people can enjoy a truly memorable experience of the whole island.
“Islands have become popular since the pandemic.” Mr Early added.