Hotelierspositive abouttradefor theyearahead

HOTEL and guesthouse owners in Wicklow say they are ‘optimistic’ for their businesses in 2017, according to the latest figures released by the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF).

The quarterly IHF baromoter shows that 91 per cent recorded increased business in 2016 while over half (57 per cent) of hotels and guesthouses grew their workforce during the year. Coming to the end of one of the strongest tourism years since the recession, the barometer also shows that nine out of ten (89 per cent) have plans to reinvest in their properties in the new year.

The IHF barometer highlights that some 82 per cent of hoteliers have reported increased business this year from the home market, noting this reflects the growing number of Irish people benefitting from the upturn in the economy.

However, the IHF states whilst this increase is positive, the increase in the domestic market is coming from a low base following a number of years of low consumer confidence.

Meanwhile, the industry has benefitted from an 11 per cent increase in overseas visitors to Ireland during the year, reflecting significant growth in key markets over the past eleven months. This includes individual market growth from North America (up 18 per cent), Britain (up 11 per cent) and the rest of Europe (up by 9 per cent). Tourism now supports 10,400 jobs in Wicklow and contributes some €122 million to the local economy annually.

According to Gerard O’Brien of the Woodenbridge Hotel, Chair of the Wicklow Branch of the IHF, confidence among hoteliers is steadily improving as the recovery in tourism continues. This has been influenced by highly effective marketing campaigns such as The Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Ancient East.

Mr O’Brien said that these unique marketing campaigns have strengthened Ireland’s brand and image as a holiday destination abroad and it is particularly positive that there is a pattern of sustained growth from other European countries beyond the UK.

‘Irish tourism has seen a record-breaking year in 2016 and there is a lot to celebrate as the most recent CSO figures show that 8.9 million overseas visitors have visited Ireland in 2016, up 11 per cent on 2015. This is an outstanding achievement and a result of the hard work being carried out by the entire tourism industry in partnership with the national tourism bodies,’ he said.

‘It is heartening that our members here in Wicklow and elsewhere are seeing growth on the ground from US, German and French visitors. There are good reasons to be optimistic about our key North America and European markets in the coming year as well. However, there are signs that growth is slowing out of the UK market. While it is too early to say what the effect of Brexit will be, the uncertainty and the fall in the value of Sterling will pose challenges. Many of the consequences are largely outside our control, so it is imperative that we mitigate the risks and potential damage where possible. This is a key task for us in the coming years as we work to deliver sustainable, long-term growth. In particular, continued Government support for tourism in the form of investment in marketing and product development will be critical to ensuring that tourism fulfils its true potential for further employment growth,’ Mr O’Brien said. LOCAL Enterprise Office Wicklow are part of a new competition which will recognise excellence and innovation amongst craft makers and designers taking part in Showcase, Ireland’s international creative expo.

All Local Enterprise Offices are involved in the ‘ Local Enterprise Showcase Awards’ and the winners will be revealed at Showcase, which will take place in the RDS from January 22 to January 25.

The number of LEO-supported companies at Showcase has jumped from 97 in 2016 to 112 in 2017. Local companies supported by LEO Wicklow include Kajsa Kinsella from Arklow, Aoife Mullane of a.mullanedesign in Bray, Asta Gauronskyte from Old Court Linens based in Blessington and Eoin Shanley of Copper Fish Studios based in Delgany.

Sheelagh Daly of the Local Enterprise Office Wicklow said: ‘ the new Local Enterprise Showcase is an ideal marketplace where buyers from around the world can meet local craftspeople and designers in person, helping small businesses get their big break.

‘Our support for companies to be at Showcase is part of year-round supports offered from LEOs in local authorities to designers and craftspeople. These supports also include financial assistance, mentoring, business advice clinics and training programmes.’

Bryan Doyle, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, stated: ‘ County Wicklow has always had a vibrant craft and design culture.

‘ This new award competition will acknowledge excellence in this innovative sector and shine the spotlight on the Showcase Exhibition which many Wicklow companies have successfully used in the past as a springboard to grow their profile and secure valuable sales.’

The award will carry a first prize of a week’s product display in the Kilkenny Shop on Nassau Street, Dublin, as well as an opportunity for the winning designer to pitch their product to Kilkenny Shop buyers.