TRAVEL: Emerald Star shining again

NEWS that domestic holidays rose by 6.5 per cent last year comes as no surprise to Emerald Star, operator of self-drive boating holidays in Ireland for the past 45 years.

In fact, the company says that boating holidays on the River Shannon and Erne waterways actually increased by 15 per cent in 2015.

The figures are welcome as they come after a four-year period of declining sales in the wake of the global economic crisis, which hit Ireland harder than most European countries. 

Domestic travel has seen even better results than overseas with bookings from Irish customers up by 36 per cent in 2015; and such strong performance has not been seen since 2010, just before the decline began.

Cheryl Brown, Managing Director of Emerald Star, says trading has been challenging across Europe in recent years, but the company’s Irish portfolio had been suffering the most.

“We have still experienced strong performances in most of our other European destinations, despite the tough conditions, so it has been saddening to see such decline in beautiful Ireland,” she said. “We are thrilled to see such positive trading at last.”

Emerald Star is a member of Le Boat, Europe’s largest operator of boating holidays with boats across Europe including UK and France. A new boat is being added to their 57-strong Irish fleet in 2016 with more planned for the 2017 season.

And a further €62,000 is being invested in their two Irish bases, Carrick-on-Shannon in Leitrim and Portumna in Galway, to improve customer facilities and enhance mooring and maintenance provision.

This year is already proving to be another bumper one for Emerald Star. The start of the boating season is still another couple of weeks away and advanced sales for domestic travel in Ireland are up by 62 per cent.

“This is very encouraging to see because Ireland is traditionally a late booking market,” adds Cheryl.

“It is reassuring that our Irish customers are now finding the confidence to book early.”

Cheryl recently met with Carrick and Portumna base managers to discuss future growth plans. And while she was there, she was delighted to award Portumna Base Manger, Timmy Walsh, with a special award.

Out of over 40 base managers, he was recognized as ‘Base Manager of the Year’, in recognition of his excellent customer service, dedication to the business and the numerous occasions he was mentioned in customer feedback questionnaires.

Those interested in hiring a boat in Ireland, or elsewhere in Europe can call 071-9633711 or visit www.emeraldstar.ie