International tourists and travelers fearing terrorist attacks and radical violence during the holidays has crowded Ireland's shores, improving the country's travel economy according to an Irish tourism group. The Irish Tourist Industry Confederation (ITIC) Chairman said the terrorist attacks in Europe "has driven business to Northern Europe" because people feel more secure.
According to the Irish Times, ITIC Chairman Paul Gallagher said one of the current upsides of terrorism in Southern Europe is that it is driving business upwards to northern Europe. He said that he would not sell the idea of terrorism as a great factor for Ireland but he "can't deny that it is not playing into Ireland's performance at the moment."
Gallagher acknowledges the hospitality industry faces a lack of quality accommodations due to a great number of tourists in the country but he also said it is unlikely that Airbnb is likely to fill the void. He said the ITIC would convene with Revenue and Failte Ireland regarding the regulation of AirBnB in the country.
Currently, accommodations in Dublin are few and some are poor. Gallagher said plans for 5,000 more Dublin bedrooms are on its way but urged the construction and development to begin as early as 2017.
The ITIC also believes that the country's tourism could still grow by 3 to 5 percent with better accommodations and create a further 7,000 jobs in the services and tourism industry -- that is, if it resolves its accommodations issues. The Irish tourism industry has set a record earning a 9% increase in revenue compared to 2015.
According to the Irish Examiner, Gallagher also acknowledged the possible effects of the Brexit on Irish tourism and the weakening pound sterling. ITIC Chief Executive Eoghan O'Mara Walsh said Britain -- representing Ireland -- should make it a point to reflect Ireland's tourism needs when negotiating with the EU. Walsh said that the country needs assurance it would retain the Common Travel Area and air access rights vital for Irish tourism.
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