Irish spending in the US and Gulf falls amid 'heightened geopolitical and security concerns'

Spending across the rest of North America increased with Canada up 4% and Mexico up 80%, supported by the new Aer Lingus direct flights to Cancun launched in January

Between January and April this year, Bank of Ireland said customers spending on credit and debit cards 'fluctuated significantly in several major international markets'.

Irish consumer spending in the US as well as the Gulf states fell significantly during the first few four months of this year, “which likely reflects heightened geopolitical and security concerns and a more cautious approach to long‑haul travel,”  data from Bank of Ireland shows.

Between January and April this year, spending by Bank of Ireland customers on credit and debit cards “fluctuated significantly in several major international markets”.