Conference Looks at Changing World
An industry held its breath at the ITIC Conference in Kilkenny yesterday - not just once, but twice.
Following a rumour that Minister Peter Burke might leak some Budget secrets, there was a certain excitement in the room when he rose to speak, while later in the day, 350 industry professionals watched in disbelief as author/ artist/ TV presenter/ influencer Timmy Mallett rode around the conference hall on his bike- at a speed witnessed only on the Tour de France.
Both adrenaline moments passed, however. Minister Burke was coy about the Budget, and Timmy (pictured with ITIC CEO Eoghan O’Mara Walsh and Mark Little) stayed on his bike.
The room warmed to Minister Burke, who impressed with his wide knowledge of tourism and its role in the overall economy. He won appreciation also for being the first Minister for Tourism in an economic Department.
His broadest Budget hint was that there will be measures to support the tourism and hospitality sector, but whether this will include the restoration of the 9% VAT rate for foodservice remains uncertain. Economist Jim Power was optimistic about the much-lobbied move but thought that the start date might be July 2026.
Minister Burke did, however, have clear directions for Failte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. His Department is about to launch a new Tourism Strategy, and he expects the two Authorities to deliver on its policies and goals.
Journalist and entrepreneur Mark Little spoke about a “Compressed 21st Century”, in which change is happening at the pace of AI. He saw huge potential in the new technology to lengthen life span and spur scientific development, but the world must plan for the consequences, including managing larger populations.
The young generation, he said, breathes technology like they breathe the air. Looking to the future, he said: “Nothing is certain, but everything is possible.”
Timmy Mallett, whose career spans hosting children’s TV shows, painting watercolours and riding around the coasts of Ireland and Great Britain on his bike, offered a glowing image of Ireland based on his recent extensive tour. He loved everything about us, including meeting Taoiseach Micheal Martin in Cork and signs that said “Go Mall”. Slowing down, he said, is the best way to experience Ireland.
AIB were among the sponsors of the Conference, and its CEO Colin Hunt reminded his audience that the bank is now among the best-resourced in Europe and has the capacity to fund growth in the economy, including the tourism sector.
Not surprisingly, Francis Brennan was the star of the show, bemoaning the demise of the B&B “Bean an Ti”, advocating the personal touch in hotel management, name-checking industry legends like Jackie Donnelly and Aidan Doyle, and regaling his audience with anecdotes about taking guests on a hill walk in Kerry and rewarding their efforts with a choc ice.
And in a reflection on current Irish hotels, he said that he stayed in 59 last year and found just 9 were “memorable”.
In a series of panel discussions, broadcaster Dearbhail McDonald covered a wide range of current topics with industry leaders, including Dalata CEO Dermot Crowley, economist Jim Power, Irish Heritage Trust CEO Anne O’Donoghue, Fáilte Ireland Chair Ruth Andrews and former Ambassador to the US Dan Mulhall.
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