90% of coach tour operators believe that without Government support they will have to reduce supply or close part of their business, a new report reveals.
The report commissioned by the Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC), the representative body for bus and coach operators, highlights the economic damage suffered by the sector during the Covid19 pandemic.
Carried out by economist Jim Power, it shows that coach tour businesses are facing serious challenges without targeted financial aid and support from Government.
It reveals that through the provision of their services, coach tour operators contribute €400 million to the Irish economy annually, while supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs in retail, hospitality, and visitor experience across the country.
While last year coach tour operators could help cover some parts of their costs with resources from the 2019 tourist season, the report states that this year businesses in the sector no longer have such reserves.
It concludes that if a significant number of private operators are forced out of business, this will have a knock on impact across other service areas, including scheduled services, school transport and private hire.
"The CTTC's Economic Report demonstrates that we are now faced with a situation that the survival of many coach tour businesses are under serious threat," said John Halpenny, Chairperson of the CTTC.
"With access to Ireland severely restricted for international tourists, and confusion around what travel will look like from here, many operators in our sector badly need life-support," he said.
The report recommends that the Government renews the Coach Tourism Business Continuity Scheme in Budget 2022.
The CTTC said this will be integral to ensuring continuity and standard of service for overseas visitors.
It is also calling for an increase in the fuel rebate offered to coach operators.
