Average card transaction up in hospitality – AIB
Average domestic card transactions in key hospitality sectors via AIB is actually up year-on-year as Irish consumers staycation this Summer and pent-up demand is released, it reports.
Nationally, the average domestic AIB card transaction has increased 50% year-on-year in pubs that have re-opened and are serving food. This may be a result of the requirement for a €9 meal to be purchased, with average spend in pubs now running at €35.86.
Separately, at €27.26, the average domestic AIB card transaction in restaurants is up 17% year-on-year, with the average transaction in hotels up 16% year-on-year.
Overall, though, the total number of transactions is still down year-on-year.
Sector | 2020 Average Spend | Percentage Increase |
Pubs | €35.86 | +50% |
Restaurants | €27.26 | +17% |
Hotels | €80.25 | +16% |
Attractions | €22.31 | -17% |
Since re-opening, those in Monaghan (€40.95) and Kilkenny (€38.28) are spending the most in pubs per AIB card transaction and those in Clare (€28.46) and Donegal (€30.19) are spending the least.
Meanwhile those in Kildare spent the most per AIB card transaction in restaurants (€27.17), with those in Carlow spending the least (€19.24).
“After coming to a complete standstill as a result of Covid-19 we saw encouraging signs within the tourism and hospitality sectors in their first month of re-opening as people were allowed travel and visit hotels, pubs and restaurants again,” said AIB’s Head of SME Banking Rachel Naughton, “Notably the average AIB card transaction amount in these key sectors is up compared with the same period last year. This can be attributed to pent-up demand and increased preference for card usage. However although we have seen some early positive indicators these businesses will need vital supports over the next 12 months to get them through this difficult period and help them start recovering from what has been a devastating period for all businesses.”
Staycation Destinations
Analysis of AIB data has also revealed that Cork is the most popular hotel ‘staycation’ destination nationally, followed closely by Kerry.
While Dublin people’s top choice of ‘staycation’ destination is Cork, those from Cork prefer to go to Kerry for their holidays. Generally the data reveals that people are staying local for their holidays, with most consumers visiting their neighbouring counties.
County | Most Popular Staycation Destination |
Dublin | Cork |
Kerry | Cork |
Cork | Kerry |
Kilkenny | Waterford |
Waterford | Cork |