COVID-19 has seen revenue levels within the accommodation sector fall by more than half between 2019 and 2020 (estimated) as lockdown has taken its toll. Visitor numbers to Ireland dramatically declined as overseas visitors were likewise unable to travel, and Irish consumers were instructed to stay at home.

Recovery in the sector is likely to be slow as over six in 10 consumers note that concern about exposure to COVID-19 would prevent them from booking accommodation in Ireland in the next six months. However, consumer data indicate that measures such as face masks, hand sanitiser and regular deep cleaning can help reduce consumer anxieties regarding staying in accommodation.

Domestic tourism is likely to recover quickly, as skittishness regarding travelling abroad (and potential quarantine) is likely to put seven in 10 off taking a trip overseas. However, the economic impact of the lockdown is likely to see guests become more price-sensitive, and thus opt for cheaper types of accommodation.

• What impact has COVID-19 had on the accommodation sector?

• What types of accommodation do Irish consumers use? Has COVID-19 influenced future accommodation choices?

• What measures can providers offer to reduce guest anxiety of COVID-19 and encourage booking?

• What types of trips do consumers use accommodation for?

• What impact will the economic fallout of the pandemic have on accommodation prices and consumer willingness to book?

• This Report will examine the hotel sector within the Irish tourism industry. This includes hotels (all types) and resorts in Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of Ireland (RoI) only. For the purpose of this Report, a hotel is defined as an establishment that provides paid lodging on a short-term basis and with limited additional facilities for travellers and tourists. A resort is a self-contained establishment that aims to provide most of a traveller’s needs, such as food, drink, sports, entertainment and spas and beauty treatments for example.

• This Report only looks at other accommodation providers from a competitive viewpoint such as bed and breakfast accommodation, guesthouses, caravans, camping, rented accommodation, hostels, and staying with a friend or relative. Although the booking and use of accommodation services for business purposes are discussed, this Report will focus primarily on the booking and use of accommodation services for leisure purposes.

• Data in this Report includes general information on the tourism industry for both NI and RoI, but its main focus is upon the hotel sector of the market. While this Report makes mention of business travellers where appropriate, it focuses mainly on leisure travellers and holidaymakers.