Bookings for last-minute holidays in Ireland have jumped due to soaring temperatures in Greece, Italy and Spain, and wildfires in popular destinations such as Rhodes.
New figures from AI-powered hotel technology provider allora.ai show that last minute staycation bookings at four and five star hotels and resorts across the country jumped 14% in the last week alone.
"Some holidaymakers have had their holidays cancelled at the last minute by their tour operator, others are cancelling themselves as they think it's too risky to go abroad," said Michael De Jongh, chief commercial officer at allora.ai.
The data shows that short lead stays now account for 35% of total bookings this summer.
"Post Covid there has been a significant increase in booking lead times, with the average time between when the guest books and arrives at the hotel rising from 57 days to 67 days," said Mr De Jongh.
"But last-minute bookings - where the guests will arrive in less than a week after booking - are now surging," he added.
Mr De Jongh said the surge in last-minute books in Ireland is putting pressure on rooms, staff and in some cases on prices.
SHR Group's tech platform allora.ai provides booking and retention technology to over 2,000 hotels around the world.
