The 2015 Budget has been welcomed by the hospitality industry, despite Michael Noonan's warning that savings generated for the industry by the 9% VAT rate cannot be used to support higher costs and prices. (See story below).
The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) welcomed the retention of the 9% tourism VAT rate. Stephen McNally, President of the IHF hailed the measure as one of the most successful job creation initiatives in modern times – supporting the creation of more than 33,000 new jobs since it was introduced in 2011.
“Today’s budget is very positive for the many thousands of tourism businesses throughout the country and is an important recognition of the potential of Irish tourism to continue delivering much-needed jobs growth,” says Mr McNally.
“Thanks to a number of pro-tourism initiatives, the industry is on course to create a further 40,000 jobs by the end of the decade,” says Mr McNally.
Fáilte Ireland welcomed the continuation of the reduced rate of 9% VAT for the hospitality sector.
CEO, Shaun Quinn said :
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The Penny Loaf Co. from Tullamore in Co. Offaly came out tops in the country's first ever cross border initiative between Invest Northern Ireland and Bord Bia. The Brakes Innovation day saw over 30 Irish produce suppliers take part in the inaugural Brakes Innovation Day at Griffith College where local companies showcased their products to a panel of Brakes foodservice buyers and customers. Scored on innovation, taste and quality, The Penny Loaf Co.'s yeast-free mini soda breads have received a listing with Brakes UK and Brakes Ireland. Pictured (l-r) are Maureen Gahan from Bord Bia, Cathal and Louise O'Donohue, The Penny Loaf Co. and Courtney Radcliffe, Brakes Marketing Manager.
The One Young World conference takes place in the Convention Centre Dublin (The CCD) from Oct 15-19. Welcoming 1,400 delegates between the ages of 18-30yrs from 196 countries - all leaders in social change and innovation to Dublin. Fáilte Ireland estimates that the event is worth almost €2m to the local economy.
Fáilte Ireland, through the Dublin Convention Bureau, supported the bid to bring the prestigious event to Dublin as part of its Conference Ambassador Programme. Local hosts were assisted both practically and financially to prepare the bid and host a site inspection. The bid process, which began in March 2013, saw Dublin beat off stiff competition from Edinburgh and Hong Kong.
Fáilte Ireland will host a special Welcome Dinner in the CCD on Wednesday 15th. High profile international sponsors from the corporate world and top overseas media will be attending this event which Fáilte Ireland will use as an opportunity to showcase all that Ireland has to offer to both the business and the leisure markets.
