Some 80 per cent of holidaymakers from Ireland will avoid travelling to places they perceive to be at risk from terrorist attacks but will not allow such threats to stop them from holidaying, according to new research from 123.ie.
The 123.ie Holiday Survey was carried out amongst 771 adults in Ireland and covered a range of issues including popular foreign and Irish destinations, risk, travel insurance, favourite authors, and must-have items for travel.
A huge 94 per cent cited France as the country most at risk from terrorism, with Turkey and Tunisia also ranking highly at 91 per cent and 87 per cent respectively. Mexico (72 per cent ), South Africa (68 per cent ) and Russia (46 per cent ) were perceived to be the most risky in relation to crime, according to new research from 123.ie.
“People’s views are obviously influenced by recent attacks in Turkey and last year’s attacks in Paris and Sousse and this has been reflected in their responses, which is totally understandable,” said Padraig O’Neill, head of marketing with 123.ie.
“Thankfully, the research also indicates that this hasn’t stopped people from travelling abroad and almost three quarters (72 per cent ) are planning a foreign holiday this year.”
Spain tops preferred destinations
Spain is the most popular destination for Irish holiday-makers (41 per cent ), which will come as no surprise with more than one million of us flocking there every year.
With the Euro performing particularly well against Sterling since the Brexit vote, the 36 per cent of people heading to the UK from Ireland should feel the benefit in their pockets. Some 14 per cent of those taking a foreign holiday have selected a trans-Atlantic trip to the US and 15 per cent have chosen Portugal for their break.
Galway city and Killarney most popular home destinations
When asked about the type of holiday they would most like to take, 17 per cent of people plumped for a staycation, with Galway city (31 per cent ) and Killarney (29 per cent ) chosen as the favourite home destinations. Dingle was selected as a favourite Irish holiday spot by 24 per cent of respondents followed by West Cork at 23 per cent.
Killarney and Galway city featured in the top two destinations for both the under 35s and those aged 35 to 54, with people aged 55 or more opting for Westport as their number one destination.
Travel insurance a must
Four out of every five people have bought or will buy travel insurance for their holiday, with 95 per cent ranking it important or very important in providing medical or injury cover. Some 91 per cent consider it important to cover loss or theft of money and 89 per cent to cover loss of passport. Of less importance to holidaymakers from Ireland is missing a flight and delays, despite the survey showing that 28 per cent had missed a flight/connection.
