We’re all going on a holiday

IN a bid to boost the beleaguered tourism industry, families across the county are being invited to holiday at home this year – and are being offered a cool €100 to do so.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe affect on Kerry’s tourism industry, and it is hoped that this initiative will boost a local economy which depends so heavily on the sector. The industry is worth an estimated €500m to the county, and employs in the region of 15,000 people.

In the coming weeks, 56,000 homes across the county will receive €100 worth of discount vouchers, which are redeemable in registered accommodation outlets right across the county.

Hotels, B&Bs, guest-houses, self-catering homes and caravan and camping sites all over the county have signed up to accept the vouchers, which will entitle holders to a discount of up to 10 per cent in the cost of accommodation.

Outgoing Mayor of Kerry, Cllr Niall Kelleher (Fianna Fáil), is urging everyone in Kerry to support this initiative and, in doing so, back hard-hit local businesses.

“As hotels and the hospitality industry re-open for business, these vouchers provide the people of Kerry with a very simple and effective way in which to support local employers and local jobs, thereby contributing to the rebooting of the Kerry economy,” he said. “I urge everyone in Kerry to give it their support,” he added.

Kerry Tourism Industry Federation Chairperson Pat O’Leary said that now is the ideal time to explore Kerry.

“The tourism industry is a vital cog in our local economy, and ‘staycations’ are an effective and sustainable way to support it during these challenging times.”

An Post is distributing the vouchers across Kerry this week. The full list of accommodation providers partaking in this initiative can be viewed on www.discoverkerry.com, and the vouchers are valid until April 2021.