Tourism Boosted As B&Bs Triumph

Pressures over the continuing recession have apparently passed by a particular sector of the hospitality industry.

Topped of by some bumper Easter Bank Holiday trade in areas of Donegal, new figures just released show that Bed-and-Breakfast accommodation across Ireland has been experiencing a turnaround.

According to the Town and Country Homes Association, which is based in Ballyshannon - also in Co Donegal - B&B bookings are up more than 20% so far this year.

This is despite an overall drop in the number of tourists visiting Ireland.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Town and Country Homes Association, Helena Healy, insisted this is because "the sector offers great value" especially so "in the current economic climate".

The news will provide a welcome fillip for the Head of Tourism at the local Letterkenny Institute of Technology.

He's already on record as being confident that his graduates will secure employment in Ireland's tourism sector - despite the current economic downturn.

The leading North West hospitality figure, Dr Sean Duffy said they are also continuing to see a steady influx of students at the associated Killybegs Tourism College.

He says while some students may consider going abroad for work, it is usually with the intention to return home to take up employment.

There was yet more good news for the region this week as the traditional seaside resort, Bundoran, has bucked the trend and benefited from excellent Bank Holiday weekend trade.

A large number of holidaymakers descended on the seaside town over the Easter break, described as one of the town's busiest Bank Holiday weekends on record.

Chairman of Bundoran Town Council, Sean McEniff said the town would now be heavily promoted on both sides of the border to further advance the achievements to date.

(BMcC/KMcA)