Hospitality spend in Republic up almost a third after indoor service returns

The Republic’s hospitality sector enjoyed significant growth last month as the post-lockdown recovery continued.

Hotel spending was up 30% while pubs got a 28% lift and restaurant trade grew by a tenth.

The figures were revealed in AIB’s Spend Trend, which recorded debit and credit card spending from more than 56 million transactions between July 1 and 31.

On July 26, the day indoor hospitality reopened in Ireland, consumers spent more than €6 million an hour in shops and businesses.

However, the busiest day for spending was July 30, the Friday after indoor dining resumed, with consumers spending more than €8m an hour in shops and businesses.

John Brennan, head of SME banking at AIB, said: “The good weather in July, combined with the reopening and increased rollout of the vaccine, has seen consumer spending in the hospitality sector continue to rise for another month, which is positive to see.

‘A positive development’

“Despite the return of international travel in July, consumers spent 30% more on hotels than the previous month, indicating many are still opting to stay in Ireland for their holiday this year – a positive development for businesses right across the country.”

The AIB Spend Trend also found consumers spent €395,000 an hour in pubs and restaurants throughout July.

When the Republic’s pubs and restaurants reopened for indoor hospitality they did so on the proviso that drinkers and diners must be fully vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19 in the past six months.

For some so-called wet pubs, which do not serve food, it was the first time they had opened their doors in nearly 500 days.

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