Services for Members

Representing, Lobbying

• The Federation promotes and defends the interests of its members by providing a strong voice for hotel and guesthouse proprietors on issues which impact on their business.

• The Federation is officially recognised by government and state agencies as representing the industry, and serves as the voice for hotels and guesthouses with both local and national government. It is frequently called on to give the industry view and to participate in a wide range of bodies set up to consider future policy and/or legislation.

• The Federation protects the interests of its members at European level by its active involvement in HOTREC, the European representative body for hotels and restaurants.

• The Federation monitors trends and events internationally through participation in the activities of the International Hotel & Restaurant Association (IH&RA).

Marketing Promoting

• The Federation produces the annual “Be-Our- Guest” guide, Ireland’s major full colour illustrated guide to hotels and guesthouses, with an annual print run of 400,000. Distributed overseas through Tourism Ireland offices, Be-Our-Guest is also available through all Bórd Fáilte and Northern Ireland Tourist Board Information Offices. Entry to the guide is offered at a reduced rate to members.

• irelandhotels.com is the Federations website for Be-Our-Guest. Through this site, Be-Our-Guest entrants have an online reservation facility, enabling them to obtain bookings through global and internet distribution systems. It also provides the opportunity to promote their special offers and to sell gift vouchers online. This site is linked to other websites and promoted by the Federation in media advertisements and at industry trade shows.

• Working closely with Bórd Fáilte and Tourism Ireland, the Federation has a major input into how members’ hotels and guesthouses are marketed both at home and overseas.

• The Federation has representation on Bórd Fáilte's Tourism Marketing Partnership (TMP) and on the Board of Tourism Ireland Ltd., the new All Ireland Tourism Company promoting the entire island of Ireland.

• The Federation regularly provides members with opportunities to advertise and promote their business on a co-operative basis.

• The Federation, its marketing committee and members participate in seminars and workshops, which address specific marketing issues.

• The Federation provides advice and assistance to members on their sales and marketing activities.

Travel Concessions

• The Federation operates a concession travel arrangement with Aer Lingus for overseas hotel promotional visits by members and Aer Arann Express for domestic flights.

Corporate Insurance Shemes

• INNSURE is the IHF branded commercial insurance facility for members, covering all hotel assets, earnings, and liabilities. This product is available through members own local brokers and is managed by Coyle Hamilton, in conjunction with a specialist Hotels & Leisure Insurer.

• INNSURE 2 is being developed in 2002 to provide a vehicle for members to participate in a self insurance pool in an effort to control the future cost of insurance for Property and Liability risks. All members have been invited to join the pool by completing and returning a short questionnaire to the IHF offices.

• A proven Risk Management programme is available to all Innsure members.

• Guestsure is a specifically designed Insurance package to meet the requirements of those members running guesthouse businesses. This facility is also available through your broker or direct from Coyle Hamilton.

• A collective insurance policy for members is available with Coyle Hamilton, which protects members who act as package providers under the Package Holidays and Travel Trade Act 1995.

• Employment practices liability from Coyle Hamilton covers liability arising under the Equality Act 1998 in respect of harassment, discrimination and unfair dismissals in the workplace.

• An excess public liability scheme is run by the Federation in conjunction with FBD Insurance Company.

Health Insurance Schemes

• A group scheme for Federation members is in place with Voluntary Health Insurance Board (VHI) and BUPA.

Communications

• The Federation circulates a monthly newsletter to all members and associate members free of charge. Through it, members and associates are kept fully up-to-date with all important developments in the industry

• An “Alert” System is operated, warning members about “Walk-Outs” and other fraudulent guests.

• Members Memos and fact sheets are circulated on specific pieces of legislation advising members on specific items of interest to them.

• The Federation has a website for members, providing current extracts from these communications.

Advice, Information Service

• The Federation assists members on economic, legal and technical matters, including grading, copyright, safety legislation, fire precautions, liability insurance, labour relations, licensing, taxation, suppliers and information technology.

• The Federation, through the IH&RA, provides confidential reports on travel agencies and tour operators.

• In conjunction with associate members, the Federation provides information on the availability of products and services related to the hotel industry.

Quality Employer Programme (QEP)

• Through this programme, launched in November, 1996, the Federation assists members to adopt and maintain the highest standards of employment.

• The programme outlines a code of practice with standards covering all areas of employment, including recruitment and selection, contracts of employment, training and exit interviews.

• Full assistance is provided, free of charge, to all members wishing to be accredited to this programme.

Pension Scheme

• In conjunction with the Quality Employer Programme, the IHF has a Pension Scheme to assist members to put in place a benefit package which will encourage employees to stay in the industry for the long term and to attract new employees by showing them the commitment of the industry.

• Coyle Hamilton are the administrators of the scheme and they are available to provide assistance to our members in the form of presentations to employers and staff, explanatory material and application forms, advice on retirement benefits, existing pension schemes and the running costs and tax relief in relation to the scheme.