Presidents Address
As well as being your President, I run a small seasonal hotel in Lahinch. Although I’m a 4th generation family hotelier, I also spent many years working in a group hotel environment. Over the last eighteen months I have been travelling all over Ireland and commuting to Dublin weekly to attend IHF meetings. I have therefore seen first-hand where recovery is taking root and where there seems to be an endless trudge to gain some advantage year on year.
In my role as President I have learned much from my conversations with hoteliers and guesthouse owners on the ground. Many people in our industry equate publicity and noise with action, while others believe we should exist as a lobbying force. There is no doubt that we face many issues that require airing. The VAT issue is an area in which the Federation has been very active, making evidence based arguments with the people who matter, primarily the Department of Finance officials and their Ministers. Over the coming months we will seek your support in passing these arguments on to your local politicians.
Ensuring hotels come out of receivership and bank control is another huge priority for us at Northbrook road. Our discussions with government led to the extension of the Employment Investment and Incentive Scheme (EIIS) to the hotel sector. Hoteliers can now raise money from investors, thus allowing them a tax break to put money into refurbishment of hotels, redevelopment of facilities and the outright purchase of hotels. We would like to ensure that Irish hotels come into the ownership of those who have a long term interest in our business. We have run a series of successful road shows since January on the Financial Theme and restructuring of debt. The IHF also offers a strictly confidential advisory service to hoteliers who have specific financial issues to resolve. Our first Irish Hotels Investment Forum last October was very well received and we intend to run a similar event later this year to update members and investors on the market.
The HR support scheme that allows paid up members to avail of advice and get indemnified against actions arising out of future employment disputes has been the real success of the past year. In the autumn we also plan to roll out a comprehensive regional digital marketing road show for members.
Craft education is another area where we have been especially active. The industry no longer has a state training body dedicated to pre-employment craft training. The IHF sees a lead role for the VECs and the new Local Employment and Training Boards in this space. We are actively persuading Solus of this need and have recently presented the case to the Oireachtas Committee on Tourism.
Tourism growth in the regions is critical to all. We have to continue to invest in, and develop more tourism products to keep ahead. Our dependence on the domestic market is the main cause of the sluggish pace of overall recovery. Shifting demand from overseas to the regions requires new thinking and policies.
I urge you to use the resources of the Federation in the coming year to help plot the future course for your business. We are willing and able to assist in so many ways. It just takes a phone call or email to share a trouble or lighten a burden.
Beir Bua is Beannacht
Michael Vaughan