New research has shown that staycation spending is set to skyrocket this summer after a year of tough restrictions.
The Europcar Mobility Group Ireland research shows that 63% of the public have not taken a break since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, with just over a third having taken a staycation in Ireland last year.
International travel is set to resume on July 19, but some are still opting to stay at home. 56% are planning to staycation in Ireland this year despite the easing of Covid-19 restrictions and plan to fork out more for the break.
Those who took a staycation over the past year revealed that they spent less than €500 on their trip.
In contrast, 45% of those taking a staycation in 2021 are planning to spend up to €1,000 with just under a quarter planning to spend more than that, "which is evidence of potential growth in consumer confidence as the economy reopens".
Over half (55%) of those aged 55+ plan on spending between €500-€1,000 on their next staycation, while seven in 10 of those aged 18-24 will spend €500 or less.
The pandemic has made many more people appreciate the beautiful country we live in, with 46% saying they have a greater appreciation of Ireland as a holiday destination.
This rises to 77% amongst Generation Z (18-24), with more than a third having visited a place in Ireland that they had not been before the pandemic.
Commenting on the research, Colm Brady, Managing Director Europcar Mobility Group Ireland, said, "Ireland has been offering wonderful experiences to overseas tourists for decades and now we get to rediscover our own country and all the remarkable places it has to offer.
"For those who don’t own a car or indeed if their car isn’t suitable to take on a trip, car renting and car-sharing offer a flexible and affordable solution.
"Europcar and GoCar are the leading providers of mobility solutions in the Irish market, offering car rental and car-sharing solutions nationwide.
"Our research shows that for many people it has been a long time since they last got to take a break."
