Hoteliers sound Brexit warning

HOTEL and guesthouse owners in Louth and across the country are reporting a good start to the year according to an industry survey undertaken by the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF).

But the IHF has sounded warnings about the impact of Brexit, and the resulting fall of in visitor numbers from the UK.

Martin Daly, Chair of Louth branch of the Irish Hotels Federation said that overall hoteliers are confident about the outlook for 2018, but not complacent. ‘ The increase in business levels that we are seeing nationally from key international markets and from within Ireland itself, following on from strong growth in recent years, gives us some confidence.’

However, despite the upturn, he warned that weakened sterling and uncertainty over Brexit was a concern for providers.

‘ Tourism currently supports 2,600 jobs in Louth and contributes some €56 million to the local economy annually.

‘We operate in a price sensitive sector where we compete with the UK for overseas visitors. A sustained fall in sterling could have a negative effect on visitor numbers from other markets who may opt instead to go to the UK,’ said Mr. Daly.

He said the 9% VAT rate and zero travel tax, for example, have been hugely significant in underpinning the recovery of the tourism sector. However, more needs to be done to bring down the high costs that are stifling business in Ireland such as insurance, where the costs are now so high they are a significant concern for almost nine in ten hoteliers,’ he said.

Mr Daly added, ‘It is important that there is a continued commitment to enhancing and developing the experiences that we offer visitors. More needs to be done, especially in regional tourism marketing. There are parts of the country outside the traditional tourism hotspots, including here in Louth, which have much to offer and could expand our tourism offering and greatly benefit the rural economy,’ he added.