Kerry is still the stand-out spot for tourists in Ireland

IN the tourism sector, challenges include Brexit but the industry is upbeat about the initiatives in Project Ireland 2040.

“We welcome the commitment to the various initiatives in the heritage area of tourism in Project 2040,” said Patrick O’Donoghue, Chairman of the Kerry branch of the Irish Hotels Federation. “As the only county in the south-west of the country that has no access to the motorway network, we would very much welcome the progress on the Macroom and Adare bypasses for accessibility to the county of Kerry.”

Mr O’Donoghue is also the chief executive of the Gleneagle Group, and is a former director of Fáilte Ireland.

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) is the national organisation of the hotel and guesthouse industry in Ireland, and represents almost 1,000 hotels and guesthouses nationwide, employing more than 57,000 people and a key stakeholder in the Irish tourism sector.

“The Kerry Branch of the IHF is one of the most progressive and effective branches in the country, and I am honoured to represent our members throughout Kerry,” he added.

Brexit remains an issue for the hotel sector, according to the latest quarterly barometer from the IHF. Almost all hoteliers surveyed called for additional marketing support and product development across the region.

Kerry remains Ireland’s premier tourist destination and, with approximately 25pc of employment in the county tourism-related, it is a significant economic contributor to the county.

At the end of last year, the new destination brand for Kerry was launched.

Designed to promote the county, ‘Kerry – Your Natural Escape’ includes imagery and messaging highlighting key attractions in the county.

We welcome the commitment to the various initiatives in the heritage area of tourism in Project 2040

Skellig Michael has gained wordwide recognition