AVOIDING AIRPORT QUEUES TOP REASON FOR IRISH STAYCATION!

TRAVELODGE SURVEY REVEALS THE TOP 10 THINGS IRISH PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO ON THEIR IRISH STAYCATION THIS SUMMER



Tuesday 28th July, 2009: Avoiding airport queues is top of the list for Irish people planning to holiday at home this summer with 21% looking forward to not having to negotiate airports more than anything else, according to the latest survey from leading budget hotel group, Travelodge. With 55% of Irish people planning to spend their summer holidays on a ‘staycation’ in Ireland this summer, according to a recent Travelodge survey, compared to 27% in 2008, Travelodge asked 1,000 guests across its 11 hotels throughout the country what they were most looking forward to on their holiday in Ireland this summer.

According to Travelodge’s research:
• 21% of Irish people holidaying in Ireland are delighted to be avoiding airport queues;
• 16% can’t wait to recharge their batteries with walks, fresh air and strolls on quiet beaches;
• 13% are looking forward to attending horse racing festivals and GAA matches;
• 12% are looking forward to enjoying a good pint of Guinness;
• 10% can’t wait to taste fresh Irish seafood;
• 8% are looking forward to just ‘having the craic’;
• 7% put socialising in a real Irish local pub at the top of their list;
• 7% also want to take in local music festivals more than anything else;
• 4% are optimistically looking forward to decent weather;
• 4% have the fresh smell of country air top of their list.

Commenting on the research findings, Seamus McGowan, Managing Director, Travelodge Ireland said, “With more Irish people set to holiday in Ireland this summer, we are not at all surprised that avoid busy airports is the biggest factor for many people. It is also interesting to see that it is the simple things they seem to be looking forward to most, like long walks, a good pint, music and sporting events, quality seafood and just enjoying the craic. There really is so much to enjoy throughout Ireland during the summer, regardless of whether we get sunny spells or scattered showers. It is great to see more people looking forward to an Irish holiday again and taking time out to discover some of what Ireland has to offer”.

Travelodge Ireland has rooms available for €29 per room per night or €203 for a full week. For more information on rooms and availability please visit www.travelodge.ie and all leading hotel booking websites.