HOTELIERS WARN THAT FSAI CALORIES-ON-MENUS SCHEME MUST REMAIN VOLUNTARY

Mandatory Calorie-Labelling Would Be Entirely Inappropriate for Hotels and Guesthouses, Says IHF

WINNERS OF GATHERING AWARDS ANNOUNCED BY THE IRISH HOTELS FEDERATION

Tuesday 25^th February 2014: The Irish Hotels Federation today announced the winners of its Gathering Awards, recognising the lasting legacy created by community initiatives around the country following the Year of the Gathering.  Sponsored by Electric Ireland, the awards were presented at the IHF’s Annual Conference in Trim, Co Meath by Michael Ring, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

ADDITIONAL 74,000 TOURISM JOBS POSSIBLE BY 2020

The Prize Will Be Substantial if We Get Tourism Right, Says Hotels Chief

·        Target of 10 million annual overseas visitors achievable by 2020

·        Increased tourism marketing could generate additional €540 million in annual tax revenue

HOTELIERS MORE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT TOURISM OUTLOOK FOR 2014

Excessive Levels of Outstanding Debt Still Serious Challenge

·   83% of hotels and guesthouses indicate a positive outlook for trading conditions

·   68% of hoteliers plan to take on additional staff over next 12 months