Tourism figures say the industry is set to suffer another devastating summer.
This comes after the government signalled international travel won’t resume until at least August.
"August At The Earliest" For Foreign Holidays
EU plans for a Covid Green Certificate by June was giving some hospitality businesses hope of salvaging the summer.
However this has been dashed after Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said it'll be August at the earliest before holidays abroad can resume.
CEO of B&B Ireland Helena Healy says this has come as a massive blow to her industry.
"Summer's a write-off for international travel, there's no doubt about that."
"Ten weeks of staycations doesn't replace a 12 month window of domestic and international business."
I wonder if there are a surge of foreign holiday bookings on days like these? I can definitely see the temptation 🌧🌧🌧
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley_) May 16, 2021
Government To Discuss Timeline Next Week
Meanwhile Pat Dawson of the Irish Travel Agents Association says this means the state finances will take another hit.
"If international travel is put off in Ireland, that affects both ways."
"Both inbound and outbound tourism."
"That'll put more debt on Ireland Inc."
Next week the government is expected to discuss a firmer timeline for when international travel will finally be able to come back.
