This summer has seen a huge revival in staycation popularity in Ireland, according to new consumer spending figures.
The research by online bank and payments company Revolut showed a monthly 5% increase in consumer spend over the platform this July – with that spend being driven by staycation spending.
Many Irish holidaymakers have chosen to stay put in the middle of the summer due to the surging heatwaves seen across mainland Europe.
In terms of accommodation, spending on hotels and resorts in Ireland has risen by
15% compared to last summer, while Revolut customers are spending more than 38% more on health and beauty spas compared to this time last year too.
For those looking for a slightly more outdoorsy or cost-effective alternative, the amount spent on camping sites and caravan parks has seen a more than 14% jump in July 2024 versus July 2023.
When making their way around Ireland, Revolut has seen customers increase their
spending at service stations, nearly 19% more this July than last, and on EV (electric vehicle) charging, which has risen considerably by over 46% since last summer. Staycations have also driven a surge in toll charges, with customers spending over 33% more to get to their
destination faster than in July 2023, highlighting an uplift in domestic tourism. At their journey’s end, Ireland’s staycationers are spending more in local bars, cafes, and restaurants, up close to 5%, with other leisure activities such as tourist attractions and museums rising by nearly 18% and boat rentals by over 25%.
Maurice Murphy, General Manager at Revolut Bank UAB – Ireland Branch, said: “Once a trusted travel card, this record month of spending clearly indicates our evolution into many customers’ preferred bank and why we’re a mainstay for the people of Ireland. Revolut’s ecosystem of financial products is the answer for people whether at home or overseas, and helps them make the most out of their money. It’s so great to see our customers choosing to spend on their staycation with us, while others are doing the same as they jet off abroad too.”
