That's according to management at the wildlife park who say that the park is worth €200 million to the local economy every year.
Visitor numbers are down 20% at the facility due to the COVID19 outbreak and ongoing restrictions which don't allow for travel or staycations.
€1.5 million was lost at the park during lockdown and management say although they recouped some of this during the summer when restrictions eased, visitor numbers remain low during Winter months particularly now during Level 5 restrictions.
Speaking to RedFM News Director at Fota Wildlife Park Sean McKeown says the park has a knock on effect for others in the hospitality sector as it attracts people to the region:
"During the summer period 50% of our visitors are staying in hotels and accommodation in the area. They're actually holidaying in the area as opposed to in some other attractions around the country- they're just visiting passing on and not staying in the area. We know that this year, it was up to 80% of the people who came and holiday and in Cork, and the region, 80% of the main reason to coming to cork was to visit Fota Wildlife Park."
