The deteriorating economic situation may be poison for most local industries but it is helping B&Bs stage a remarkable comeback, according to new figures released today.
B&B bookings are up by 20 per cent during the first three months of the year despite a fall in the number of people visiting Ireland.
New data from the Town and Country Homes Association (TCHA), which represents over 1,100 B&Bs across the country, shows that consumer bookings were up 13 per cent in March compared to the same month a year earlier.
According to the TCHA, the rise in bookings can be attributed in part to a greater number of people from both Ireland and overseas seeking better value for money when looking for accommodation.
The number of bookings from France rose 22 per cent while bookings from Germany were up 10 per cent.
This is despite the publication of recent figures from Tourism Ireland indicate that there was a 3 per cent fall in the number of visitors to the country in January continuing a fall which saw the number of visits here falling by 5 per cent during the final quarter of last year.
The latest figures indicate a significant recovery for the sector. According to a study from the association published in 2006, while still popular with tourists, just 5 per cent of domestic holidaymakers and businesses used B&Bs.
CSO figures show the number of nights spent in guesthouses and bed and breakfast accommodation by Irish residents fell from 2.2 million to 1.8 million between 2001 and 2005. B&Bs have also suffered in recent years due to a rise in the number of budget hotels and the decline in the US dollar
