Tourists less than keen on Irish holiday costs

Half of all tourists visiting Ireland were dissatisfied with the cost of their visit and 16 per cent believe the expense was "unacceptably high", according to the preliminary results of a survey released today.

Highest dissatisfaction levels were recorded by western Europeans although visitors from North America and Britain are also starting increase their criticism of rising prices, the report found.

More than half the visitors surveyed believed the cost of eating out or drinking was "higher than expected" while taxis were identified as being exceptionally expensive.

Only 33 per cent of visitors reported that accommodation and car hire costs were higher than they had expected.

Prices were regarded as "high but acceptable" by 43 per cent of visitors. Under one-third thought the cost of a visit in Ireland was comparable to home while under 10 per cent considered Ireland cheaper than their home country.

The preliminary results from the Visitor Attitudes Survey for Bord Fáilte were based on 1,000 face-to-face interviews. The results of up to 4,000 self-completion questionnaires will be added to the final report which will be published early next year.

The good news was that the vast majority of visitors were satisfied with the friendliness and hospitality available. The scenic landscape and coastline was by far the most important attribute of the country as a holiday destination.