Hospitality’s ‘Dear Santa’ List

Tourism and hospitality CEOs have called for an “immediate change in direction” by the next Government to address the challenges facing the industry. With negotiations on the formation of a new Government underway, industry groups are urging all political parties and TDs to ensure that tourism and hospitality is to the fore of policy discussions for the programme for Government.

The CEOs of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC), Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI), Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI), Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) and Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) say:  

“Businesses throughout our sector are facing a perfect storm. They are operating under exceptionally tight margins, falling food sales and significant increases in operating costs. A fundamental change in direction is now imperative if we are to stave off what can only be described as a growing commercial crisis facing many businesses. This is of critical importance given the integral role our industry plays within the economy as the country’s largest indigenous employer and a major engine for growth and prosperity.”

The group are seeking four policy measures in the Programme for Government. They are a reduction in VAT, lower operating costs, the removal of the Dublin Airport passenger cap and the transfer of tourism and hospitality to an economic Government Department.