Hoteliers Lobby Politicians
The Irish Hotels Federation staged a “Supporting Irish Tourism Hospitality” industry briefing for TDs and Senators at Leinster House.
President Michael Magner and CEO Paul Gallagher headed a group of hoteliers from around the country who put forward what they see as key issues and challenges facing Irish tourism. They outlined to the politicians “the necessary steps” required to ensure the successful long-term development of the Irish hospitality sector.
A focus of the meeting was “the exceptionally high operating costs that tourism and hospitality businesses are grappling with, a situation that is particularly challenging for regional businesses that are heavily reliant on food services”.
The hoteliers say that this is a pressing concern given the implications both locally and nationally for Irish tourism at a time of increased financial pressure and growing economic and political uncertainty internationally.
The IHF “wish list” included:
- Restoring the 9% VAT on hospitality food services as part of Budget 2026
- Reducing Employers’ PRSI
- Measures to tackle business costs, including insurance costs and energy pass through charges
- Increased investment in training through the National Training Fund
- More targeted measures to support sustainability initiatives within our sector
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