A quarter of all people took no holiday either at home or abroad last year, according to new research published by Fáilte Ireland.

However, the State tourism body said there were signs that more consumers were likely to take either short or long breaks within Ireland over the summer.

A survey of consumer’s travel habits found 25% did not take any break during 2020, compared to 9% the previous year.

The proportion of people who said they did not take any long holiday was even higher and rose to 48% last year from 21% in 2019.

Fáilte Ireland said the figures showed that domestic holiday rates did not increase during 2020, despite restrictions on international travel.

As a result, domestic tourism providers did not see the benefit of potential staycations due to the high proportion of people who preferred not to travel at all last year.

Although 60% of people said they took fewer domestic breaks in 2020 compared to previous years, Fáilte Ireland said a higher proportion seemed intent on taking more trips this year.

The latest figures show 65% of people in the Republic intend to take a short break over the coming year, with an even higher proportion among families with young children.

The latest figures show 65% of people in the Republic intend to take a short break over the coming year, with an even higher proportion among families with young children.

“This is an early indication of a change in consumer behaviour, driven by a reconsideration of domestic breaks,” said a Fáilte Ireland spokesperson.

 

The latest figures show 65% of people in the Republic intend to take a short break over the coming year, with an even higher proportion among families with young children.

In contrast, just 43% of people in Northern Ireland indicated they intended to take a short break in 2020.

Only a third of holidaymakers said they planned taking a long break in Ireland over the coming 12 months.

“Most consumers are still hedging their bets and adopting a wait-and-see attitude before they make their final bookings,” the spokesperson said.

To date, only 14% of consumers have made a booking for a long break in Ireland over the coming six months.

Fáilte Ireland claimed many bookings were likely to be made at the last minute, similar to last year, as people still hoped to be able to travel internationally this year, especially for longer breaks.