Things to do while traveling around Ireland:

Travel to the Emerald Isle Declines

The global recession has had a profound effect on the travel industry in Ireland. According recent figures, the number of foreign guests is at its lowest level in almost a decade. Travel revenue in the first quarter of 2009 fell by 13 percent. The second half of 2009 was even worse with a 21 percent decline.

Of particular concern is the precipitous drop in UK travel to the Emerald Isle. In the first quarter of 2010, the number of UK guests fell by a full quarter. Why is this happening? The most obvious explanation is that the UK only recently emerged from a protracted recession. And even though the economy has improved a bit, debt and unemployment numbers are on the rise.

What happens now? After months of lowering rates and international removals Italy the Irish travel industry is still struggling. Hotels are fighting to attract guests, while the country deals with more pressing problems.

The one possible bright spot is that the euro has been falling like a stone. At or near a record low, many in the travel industry believe that a depressed euro may actually help attract foreigners. The reason for this is simple: the lower the euro, the better the exchange rate for foreign currencies.

At present, the pound is at its highest rate in over two years against the euro. The dollar is also performing quite well when pitted against the euro. The hope is that these advantageous currency exchange rates will entice residents from the UK and the US to come to Ireland for the summer.

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