New Insurance Initiative Aims to Support Ireland’s Leisure and Glamping Businesses

Leisure businesses in Ireland, including glamping sites, petting zoos, and mobile saunas, may soon find relief from high insurance costs through a newly introduced affordable coverage solution. 

The initiative aims to address a long-standing issue that has led to the closure of hundreds of enterprises due to unaffordable or unavailable insurance.

The experience economy, which encompasses tourism, entertainment, arts, culture, sports, and heritage sectors, plays a significant role in Ireland’s economic landscape. 

According to IBEC, the country’s employers’ confederation, the sector supports approximately 330,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly. However, rising insurance premiums have placed businesses under financial strain, limiting their ability to operate and grow.

Brady Insurance, a provider known for covering major events such as St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and productions for companies like Netflix and Disney, has launched a new insurance scheme tailored for businesses in this sector, according to a report by The Irish Independent. 

Managing Director Jane Brady highlighted the necessity of the initiative, stating, “The scarcity of insurance options has placed immense pressure on the experience economy, leading to business closures and job losses.”

The policy aims to offer accessible and comprehensive coverage, allowing businesses to secure insurance without facing prohibitive costs. 

Brady emphasized the broader impact of the initiative, explaining, “Our new scheme not only addresses this critical gap by providing accessible comprehensive coverage but also aims to stabilize the industry, safeguard existing jobs, and foster growth.”

For business owners in the outdoor hospitality and leisure sectors, this development presents a potential turning point. 

With insurance being a critical operational cost, more accessible coverage could enhance financial stability and long-term sustainability. This is particularly relevant for operators in rural areas, where such businesses often serve as key economic drivers.

The policy extends coverage to a wide range of enterprises, including glamping sites, skate parks, snooker halls, visitor centers, and community hubs. 

By providing security for these ventures, the initiative is expected to strengthen Ireland’s tourism and cultural industries, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a destination for unique and diverse experiences.