Border hotel occupancy double that of Dublin

Occupancy levels at border hotels reporting 26% for June, 40% for July and 37% for August, with numbers still growing.

Accommodation providers located in the border region- Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan and Sligo-last week reported occupancy levels over double the levels of that being experienced by Dublin Hotels.

While figures are down over 60% for some properties in the area based on 2019 figures, industry heads believe it is real sign for positivity heading into the summer..

Local hotels reopened their doors to residents yesterday (June 2), ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend, and outdoor dining is set to recommence from next Monday, June 7. This week represents another step closer to a return to economic stability in County Cavan.

For over 15 months, the Tourism department at Cavan County Council have been supporting hospitality and tourism businesses in the region through the effects of the Covid 19 Pandemic. From facilitating grants with Cavan LEO to leading a taskforce for recovery, 'This is Cavan' has been a constant voice for the hospitality and tourism industry in Cavan.

Joanne Hayes, Tourism Officer for County Cavan is looking forward to the summer with anticipation and hope. “All businesses in Cavan have been affected in some way from restrictions enforced over the past year, but no more so than the hospitality and tourism businesses in our area. We are actively marketing the County of Cavan as the perfect staycation destination this year to make up for the shortfall in International visitors”.

The figures on local occupanyc levels comes from the Irish Hotels Federation, who survey accommodation providers in the region. They reported occupancy levels of 26% for June, 40% for July and 37% for August, with numbers still growing.

In their consumer sentiment report in April (ahead of the government’s announcement of the easing of restrictions in June), Fáilte Ireland meanwhile reported that 48% of consumers intend to take either a short or long break in the Republic of Ireland within the next 6 months; 30% intend on domestic travel exclusively, with the remaining 18% intending to take a combination of both domestic and international travel. Time and distance travelled are key elements influencing destination choice.

'This is Cavan' is now calling on all residents of the county to support their local hospitality and tourism businesses this summer as they re-emerge from a difficult year.

As part of that the county brand will be launching their new website to promote Cavan in the coming weeks. In the meantime all hospitality and tourism related information can still be found on www.thisiscavan.ie and on social media.

“Share the experiences available in your County, show off the food offerings, the accommodation options, the activities available and the welcome that we give every visitor to Cavan,” says Ms Hayes.

Tony Walker, General Manager of the Slieve Russell Hotel is eager to get back to business “The last few weeks have been tremendous, getting the team back into work preparing for June 2.

“We have been overwhelmed by all the messages of good wishes and support from all our guests from all over the country and indeed the county! Really looking forward to welcoming everyone back from which I hope will be our last lockdown.” he said.