Pictures: Don MacMonagle
A TOUR operator whose company organised the Christmas in Killarney jarvey sleigh rides, from December 1 to January 6, said a very interesting factor this year was that more customers were staying overnight as opposed to taking day trips and it was becoming a tradition to visit Killarney as opposed to the cities.
“Business was up by 25% with nearly 5,000 people and people seemed to have more spending power. We found a lot of repeat custom as well as new business,” Michael Tangney said.
“Now that there’s a strong Christmas in Killarney brand we must build on it,” he added.
Anthony Walsh, of the Chamber’s Retail Committee, said the feedback is that the grocery trade was up three per cent at Christmas and the High Street retailers reported hikes ranging from three to 12%.
“Most retailers in Killarney were reasonably pleased with Christmas 2018 with results ranging from -4% to +12% depending on the various sectors. Killarney punched above its weight relative to other similar sized towns nationally, Anthony said.
“The Christmas in Killarney festival is crucial to creating footfall and a very unique experience for shoppers,” he added.
The Killarney on Ice experience, which ran from November 30 to January 6, conducted a survey of its visitors and ascertained that three out of every four came from outside Killarney and groups ranged from two people to 21.
“95% of those surveyed said they would not have come to Killarney if it were not for the ice rink. Nine out of 10 visitors stayed in town to shop or eat afterwards and 97% said they would return again,” said Killarney on Ice director Tim O’Donoghue.
People visited from 18 different countries and from all around Ireland but, he said, for an ice rink to succeed it must be situated in a town centre.
Access to parking was an issue but, Tim insisted: “We are much better off with a parking issue than a visitor issue”.
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