Dublin: Ireland’s tourism sector faced a significant setback in May as foreign visitor spending fell by €127 million compared to the same month in 2024, despite welcoming 560,500 tourists, down 8% year on year.
Excluding travel fares, visitor spending dropped over 21% to €477 million, raising concerns across the hospitality sector. Industry groups, including the Restaurants Association of Ireland and the Irish Hotels Federation, have called for urgent government action, such as a VAT reduction and PRSI reforms, citing unsustainable costs and eroded margins.
While hotel occupancy levels remain steady, the decline in visitor expenditure is seen as a worrying trend that could impact the vital summer season.
Tourism Ireland attributed the dip to 2024 being an exceptionally strong year and noted upcoming aviation capacity increases, including new U.S. and European routes, as potential positives.
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