Almost €297 million was spent in pubs, restaurants and hotels by AIB customers using their cards last month – up by 9% on May 2023 – according to the latest AIB Spend Trend, for May 2024.
Spend in pubs increased by 10% in the month, compared to a 12% decrease in May 2023.
The biggest increase in spend in pubs in the month was in Leitrim (20%), followed by Westmeath (18%) and Kilkenny (16%).
Restaurants And Hotels
The report shows that for restaurants, the biggest increase in spend was in Kilkenny (9%), followed by Mayo and Waterford (both 8%).
When it comes to hotels, people from Longford saw the biggest increase in spend (18%), followed by Offaly (11%) and Wexford (10%).
Positive Trend
“These figures are heartening for the hospitality sector, in particular, as we head into the busy summer months,” said John Brennan, head of SME Banking at AIB.
“Spending in pubs, restaurants and hotels is up, which is to be welcomed, especially when you consider there were decreases for these sectors during the same month last year.
“This positive trend is a good sign for a strong summer season.”
First Quarter
Meanwhile, research from CGA by NIQ has found that sales in the Republic of Ireland’s hospitality sector were €54 million higher in the first three months of 2024 than in the same period last year.
The figures show that while outlet numbers in the Republic fell by 2.4% after closures, the rate of sale (ROS) increased by 2.4%.
“Despite a slow start to the year because of increased participation in Dry January, it’s been a bright first quarter for Ireland’s pubs, bars and suppliers,” said Sian Brennan, CGA by NIQ’s client director (Ireland).
