Pricehikeswill harmtourism

IRELAND South MEP and member of the EU Tourism Taskforce Deirdre Clune has pleaded with Kerry tourism providers not to increase prices ahead of this year’s tourism season.

Clune’s calls follow on from a new Fáilte Ireland report which, while largely positive, shows that there has been a 16 per cent drop in the number of British holiday makers who would describe Ireland as good value - from 67 per cent in 2015 to 51 per cent last year.

Though she acknowledged that a weaker pound had played a role in this finding she stressed that the tourism sector must take account of the realities facing British holiday makers – who make up over 50 per cent of our tourism market.

“If sterling is weak, it’s a problem for our tourism. We should respond by continuing to offer great value – good deals and great service. Tourism numbers are the highest in years and are powering economic growth in rural Ireland. We cannot afford to return to the days of rip off Ireland,” Clune said.

“Every €1 million of tourist expenditure helps to support 29 tourism jobs. Government plans to create 40,000 new jobs using tourism throughout our economy this year,” the Cork based Fine Gael MEP said.

“This plan would be in serious jeopardy if Ireland were to return to high prices for food and accommodation. The government has played its part by reducing the tourism VAT rate to nine per cent. It is now up to tourism providers to continue to provide value for money in the market,” she said.

“As flights to cheaper long haul destinations in Asia become cheaper, Ireland must compete and provide a service that is matched by value. We must learn the lessons from the Celtic Tiger era and not rush to increase prices as tourist numbers increase and our economy surges forward,” said Clune.

In that context she made a direct appeal to Kerry tourist business to be mindful of the effect high prices could have on future business.

“I would therefore appeal to hotels, B&Bs, restaurants and other such tourism providers in Kerry to think strategically and maintain value for money in the sector,” she said.