Staycations could save Ireland’s tourism market

STAYCATIONS could be the salvation of the tourism industry this year as more people than ever look set to spend their holiday money at home.

However, there are signs that business is picking up among overseas visitors with numbers travelling from the US and continental Europe, particularly Germany, expected to increase.

Fáilte Ireland, which is making the predictions, says the improved prospects for 2012 are down to concerted efforts by the industry to reach a wider audience and offer better value for money.