The initiative by Temple Bar Properties (TBP) to discourage visiting stag/hen parties in a historic part of the city is to be welcomed. The only quibble most Dubliners might have is, why it did not happen sooner. The reputation of Dublin as an enjoyable place to visit has been progressively tarnished by the aggressive and drunken behaviour of a small minority. The report which underpins TBP's decision, shows the limited economic value of this kind of tourism. The authors conclude that the sector accounts for about one per cent of all tourism revenue to the city but, most important, it is irritating 13 per cent of visitors who say they would not return to Dublin because of their experience with the stag/hen partygoers. The net loss in tourism revenue from those affected, is estimated at £57 million each year or about £285 million over a five-year period.
There are also issues involving overall tourism policy. The ambition of any country seriously involved in the tourist industry must be to attract high-spending visitors. Even on this criterion, the stag/hen phenomenon failed dismally. The visitors, who are nearly all from the UK, do not stay long, seldom visit any part of the country outside Dublin, pay little for their accommodation and, critically, leave little money in the economy outside of the pubs.
It was significant that the TBP managed to secure the support of the licensed trade in Temple Bar - ostensibly the main beneficiaries of stag/hen tourism. One publican with a major investment in Temple Bar said he was concerned about the long-term future. It was all very well to play host to the parties for immediate gain, but even the publicans could see the atmosphere on the narrow streets of Temple Bar was turning very ugly, especially at night, and regular customers were deserting the area.
The TBP report canvassed the views of hoteliers and other providers of accommodation in Dublin. Over two-thirds said stag/hen groups discouraged other visitors and only five per cent said they should be encouraged. Clearly, not all the accommodation providers are abiding by their professed principles, though it should be noted in fairness that stag/hen groups may disguise their true nature when making bookings. It does not come naturally to any industry to turn away business but the argument for taking the new approach is overwhelming. The strong international image of Dublin as a tourist destination can only be damaged in the longer term if it becomes associated in the public mind with loutish behaviour. And once a city gains a poor reputation, the task of rebuilding its image can prove painful and difficult.
It is to the credit of TBP that it has come to recognise this and has mobilised the support of licence holders in the area to turn away stag/hen groups. Undoubtedly, enforcing the new initiative will not prove easy. But at the very least, the publicans and hoteliers appear to acknowledge that everyone's long-term interest is best served by a more discriminating approach.