When it comes to tourism, our people remain one of our greatest resources, writes ALISON HEALY
THE HIGH cost of living was the main gripe of tourists who holidayed here last year, Fáilte Ireland’s 2008 visitor attitudes survey has found.
In common with previous years, overseas visitors singled out the scenery and the friendly people for the greatest praise.
When asked for the disadvantages of holidaying here, 22 per cent of tourists cited the cost of living, compared with 18 per cent in 2007.
The level of dissatisfaction with prices was highest among German tourists, with almost one in three highlighting this.
Fáilte Ireland said value for money concerns by British and north American holidaymakers last year were heightened by poor currency exchange rates.
Its chief executive, Shaun Quinn, said the next survey should reflect the recent price readjustments. Since the beginning of the year, hotels and other tourism providers have been stepping up special offers in a move to attract tourists.
This survey was carried out among 5,700 overseas holidaymakers between May and October.
It found that 98 per cent of tourists would recommend a holiday in Ireland to family and friends.
Some 89 per cent of holidaymakers said they were very satisfied with the beautiful scenery, while 87 per cent cited the friendly people.
Other areas coming in for praise included the safe and secure surroundings, the unspoilt environment and the relaxed pace of life.
Levels of satisfaction with the scenery were highest among US visitors, with 94 per cent singling it out, while British tourists were most satisfied with the friendly people.
On the negative side, 17 per cent of golfing holidaymakers said they were not satisfied with the price, an increase of 6 per cent on the previous year.
Some 79 per cent said they were very satisfied with the quality of the golf, an 8 per cent reduction on the previous year. However, satisfaction with equestrian and cycling pursuits increased last year.
Apart from the cost of living, tourists also highlighted the weather, bad roads and signposting as disadvantages of holidaying here.
The percentage citing bad roads fell from 17 per cent in 2007 to 11 per cent last year, while signposting was cited by 6 per cent last year, compared with 7 per cent in 2006.
The survey also suggests that Ireland’s unique selling points are gradually being eroded.
In 2003, some 85 per cent of tourists said the scenery was a very important selling point for Ireland. Five years later this had fallen to 79 per cent.
An easy and relaxed pace of life was cited by 71 per cent as a very important selling point in 2003 but this had fallen to 62 per cent five years later.
The survey found that 44 per cent of people stayed in hotels, while 38 per cent stayed in Irish homes or guesthouses.
The majority – 60 per cent – ate in pubs and bars, with 36 per cent dining in budget restaurants.
The percentage eating in high-quality restaurants fell from 34 per cent in 2007 to 28 per cent last year.
Mr Quinn said it was striking that all nationalities cited our welcome and our environment as key factors for satisfaction.
“For some, the ‘céad míle fáilte’ may seem like a worn cliche, but this survey underlines quite clearly that, when it comes to tourism, our people remain one of our greatest resources,” Mr Quinn said.
The research was published on the eve of Meitheal, the largest Irish tourism trade fair, which takes place in Dublin today and tomorrow.