Whitaker Institute member Dr Liam Carr, of SEMRU, has co-authored a new article for RTÉ Brainstorm with Kineshia Nic Eiteagáin. The researchers spoke to Wild Atlantic Way tourism operators to assess how they felt after months of lockdown and restrictions.

All along the Wild Atlantic Way: Keem Bay in Achill Island, Co Mayo

Analysis: researchers spoke to Wild Atlantic Way tourism operators to assess how they felt after months of lockdown and restrictions

Few sectors have been as impacted by Covid-19 as Ireland’s tourism and hospitality sector. According to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, approximately 70% of jobs in this 260,000 person sector are reliant on an active overseas market of 10 million visitors. The ongoing pandemic has reduced the numbers of overseas arrivals by 95%, contributing to a €6 billion drop in revenue.

This is especially poignant along the tremendously popular Wild Atlantic Way. Over the past six plus years, the project has been nothing short of a success story. The 2500 km long touring route, which celebrates the Irish culture nurtured within an undeniably attractive and wild landscape, has produced enjoyable and unique experiences for nearly 9 million foreign and domestic visitors. In doing so, the initiative and business creativity within communities along the route has reinvigorated and diversified their local economies. The pandemic and its aftereffects represents a lasting threat of the highest order. Continue reading…