The Irish Hotel Federation (IHF) welcomes increase of 6% in the allocation to Tourism Services announced, today, by the Minister for Finance in the Book of Estimates. It particularly acknowledges the 4% increase in the tourism marketing fund allocated to Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland. These funds together with the private sector marketing campaigns will enable the industry to maintain the current levels of promotion both domestically and overseas.

The IHF particularly acknowledges the success of Mr John O'Donoghue, T.D. Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism in convincing his Government colleagues of the extent of the economic and social importance of the Irish tourism sector.

John Power, Chief Executive of the Irish Hotels Federation, welcomed the increase saying, "In the current difficult and highly competitive international tourism environment it is essential that adequate funding is available to sustain effective marketing efforts."

As Irelands competitiveness now poses a great challenge it is noteworthy that the hotel and guesthouse sector is rising to this challenge. The latest CSO figures published today reveal that the accommodation services, which include holiday packages in hotels and guesthouses, has a rate of annual inflation of 0.4% which is less that 1/5 of the rate of national inflation. This reflects the good value packages being promoted by the hotel and guesthouse sector.

FOR INFORMATION:
Siobhan Molloy/Niamh Boylan
Tel: (01) 676 01 68 or 086 817 50 66
Weber Shandwick FCC