22nd September 2009

Hoteliers Call for decisive ‘yes’ to Lisbon

Ireland must be central to EU for economic upturn

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) today launched its ‘Yes to Europe!’ campaign in support of the Lisbon Treaty to ensure Ireland remains fully engaged with the EU. With almost 60,000 people employed by hotels, the Federation is calling on its 1,000 hotel and guesthouse members across the country to urge their employees to vote ‘YES’ in recognition of the enormously positive impact Europe has on Irish business and Irish jobs.

Matthew Ryan, President, IHF, states, “We are experiencing one of the severest economic downturns faced by any developed nation in modern times. It is vital now, more than ever, that we remain at the centre of Europe and fully engaged with our EU partners. A second rejection of the Lisbon Treaty would jeopardise any prospect for recovery within the economy.”

“Throughout this crisis we have benefited from significant support from Europe and from very favourable policy decisions from the European Central Bank whose support underpins the NAMA process and, in turn, a much needed injection of credit availability into the economy. The current economic and financial crisis has highlighted even further the need for Ireland to be a part of a strong Europe. The benefits arising from being a fully committed member of the EU have never been more crucial to Ireland’s future economic prosperity.”

According to the IHF, tourism revenues made a direct contribution of €6.3 billion to the Irish economy in 2008, accounting for 4% of Ireland’s Gross National Product (GNP). It states that the sector is facing a critical time as overseas visitors and domestic tourism revenues have plummeted during 2009. In the current unprecedented challenging economic conditions a positive outcome to the Lisbon Treaty is vital to send a strong, affirmative message about Ireland’s wish to be central and inclusive within the EU process.

“We have a highly regarded reputation as a welcoming country for visitors. But this will be threatened if we, as a nation, say no a second time to Lisbon. The foundation of the Irish tourist brand is our people and our open, friendly and welcoming attitude. From a hospitality and tourism perspective, a resounding ‘yes’ to the Lisbon Treaty will confirm this reputation in the eyes of the other 26 member states.”

“Ireland is at a crossroads with the Lisbon Treaty – if we take the ‘Yes’ road, it can provide a route to assist our economy recovery more speedily. It would show our EU partners, potential foreign investors and employers that we are a fully engaged EU participant. We also need to demonstrate that we value and welcome the support of our EU counterparts during our economic crisis. A yes vote would be consistent with how we project our image abroad and market our country as a tourism destination.”

The IHF is giving five important reasons to vote Yes:

• Irish jobs depend on a positive response to Europe. ‘Ireland of the Welcomes’ brings visitors to our shores;
• Ireland welcomes foreign investment and remains a good place to do business, locally and globally;
• Ireland tells our EU partners that we value their support throughout the current difficult economic crisis by voting Yes;
• We retain our EU commissioner to safeguard our interests in Europe; and
• We protect our neutrality and tax veto.

Mr Ryan, states, “Ireland’s active and positive involvement in the development of the EU continues to be a major attractor of foreign direct investment. It is important that Ireland’s positive support of the development of the EU continues. Anything other than a decisive ‘yes’ in the referendum would undermine the international perception of Ireland as a desirable place to visit and in which to do business.”

As part of the Business for Europe Group, which represents over 50 employer and professional organisations who fully support a ‘yes’ vote for the Lisbon Treaty, the IHF believes the strengthened and reformed institutions arising from the Treaty will make the EU more efficient and effective in dealing with the challenges arising from its development and enlargement.

“On October 2nd, there can be no standing still. We must take a positive step forward, not a step backward. We in the Irish Hotels Federation are appealing to voters to say yes to a more effective Europe in which Ireland can play a full role and see our participation benefit the entire country.” adds Mr Ryan.

-ENDS-

Note to Editors on Tourism/Hotel Sector:

• €4.8 billion in foreign exchange earnings in 2008 compared to €2.1 billion in 1995 and €4.3 billion in 2005;
• 7.5 million overseas visitors to Ireland in 2008;
• Domestic tourism expenditure of €1.5 billion in 2008;
• Annual national tourism revenues of €6.3 billion
• Almost €2.7 billion in revenues to the exchequer from tourism in 2008;
• Tourism accounted for 4% of GNP
• Tourism industry accounts for 250,000 full-time, part-time and seasonal jobs, of which almost 60,000 are in the accommodation sector alone.
• Greater spread of regional economic activity than most other industries;
• Provides a substantial entrepreneurial resource as the vast majority of tourism enterprises are small and medium enterprises.
• 925 hotels with 60,729 rooms.
• 337 guesthouses with 4,070 rooms.

For information:

Siobhan Molloy / Eoin Quinn Tel: 01 6760168

Weber Shandwick Mobile: 086 8175066 / 087 2332191