Thursday, 8th October 2009

Hoteliers Welcome Report from the Tourism Renewal Group

“The Tourism Renewal Group’s Report today reaffirms the need for the Government to recognise the vital importance of this industry to the recovery of the Irish economy. The government must now demonstrate its commitment to ensuring tourism remains to the fore of Ireland’s economic agenda. A marker has now been put down, and today’s recommendations must be translated into immediate action by the Government and tourism stakeholders to ensure the survival and recovery of our industry,” says Matthew Ryan, President, Irish Hotels Federation (IHF).

The IHF welcomes the recommendations set out by the Tourism Review Group as a basis for ensuring the survival and recovery of Irish tourism. The IHF suggests that the report will inject new thinking into Ireland’s tourism strategy and help tackle the serious challenges faced by the industry. According to Matthew Ryan, who is also a member of the Tourism Review Group, “The tourism sector and Government bodies must now act swiftly to implement a more holistic approach to tourism that builds compelling offerings around visitors and their experiences while visiting Ireland. This requires that we market Ireland more effectively, increase accessibility, reduce costs and box clever in a time of diminished resources.”

“Tourism is a significant driver of the Irish economy and, as Ireland’s largest indigenous industry, has a substantial untapped potential to assist in economic recovery throughout every town and village in the country. This can only be achieved by supporting sustainable enterprises in the sector and helping tourism enterprises retain staff and ensure a diversity of skills within the sector. This must be underpinned by ensuring viable businesses have access to appropriate levels of working capital and investment finance, particularly for seasonal businesses such as hotels and guesthouses.”

The Tourism Renewal Group’s Report can be downloaded by clicking HERE

ENDS

FOR INFORMATION:

Siobhan Molloy / Eoin Quinn Tel: 01 6760168

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