Ms Fitzgerald Kane said “The Government has sent a very clear signal that Ireland is reopening for tourism when it is safe to travel similar to other European countries. The domestic market was very important last year and will be again this year. However, it does not replace international visitor

 numbers. As an island nation international tourism is critically important, accounting for over 70% of tourism revenue pre-COVID. While hotels and guesthouses are not relying on significant overseas visitors this year, the easing of restrictions on international travel for business and leisure will be very important in extending the season for many Irish tourism businesses, while also supporting the recovery in our major cities including Dublin, where occupancy levels lag the rest of the country.”

Welcoming the news that guest numbers for weddings will increase to 100 in August, Ms Fitzgerald Kane said it was a boost for couples, many of whom had postponed their wedding on more than one occasion over the past year. Live music and the restoration of licensing hours are also important to wedding couples going forward and we would welcome clarity on these. She called for a roadmap for the further easing of restrictions particularly in relation to smaller gatherings including family celebrations and non-essential business events. “At present, outside of weddings, there is no provision for family events or occasions that could involve groups of more than six adults. We would also like to see numbers for larger gatherings linked to the size of the venue. We’d also welcome clarity on progress markers linked to the continued vaccination roll-out that would give a greater sense as to when further easing of restrictions can be expected.

The IHF President also called for a firm commitment from government on business and employment supports. “Tourism will recover but it will take time and needs additional supports. Our industry has been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and with some level of restrictions likely for some time to come, tourism recovery is not going to begin in earnest until 2022. The supports to date have been very welcome and akin to life support but it is essential that the Government provides greater clarity and certainty now around supports¹ into 2022 and beyond so that businesses can plan.” said Ms Fitzgerald Kane.

“The hotel sector has a vital role to play in ensuring Irish tourism and hospitality returns to a more stable footing in the months ahead – helping to sustain thousands of businesses and almost 270,000 livelihoods throughout the country. These jobs represent 11% of total employment nationally and, with 70% located outside of Dublin, make a vital contribution to communities in every county and town throughout the country. In some communities, tourism is the only show in town. The industry’s recovery must be to the fore of Government economic policy as we seek to restore employment levels and tourism communities as quickly as possible,” she said.