GENERAL ELECTION 2016

Dear Member,

The Irish Hotels Federation is co-ordinating a nationwide lobbying campaign during the General Election targeting candidates and relevant members of political parties. I would ask that you support these efforts in your local constituency as this is an important opportunity for hotels and guesthouses to highlight the key challenges facing our sector.

We’re calling for decisive action by the next Government on a number of issues, including:

1.      Providing greater cost competitiveness within the Irish economy

2.      Restoring tourism marketing funding to support long-term market growth

3.      Allocating additional funding for tourism product and infrastructure

4.      Investing in people, skills and training – including vocational and craft training

The active support and participation of all our members in the lobbying campaign is vital to ensure we receive a good hearing. We’re seeking your help as a member of the Federation to assist in the election campaign by:

·      Familiarising yourself with the IHF Policy Document (download here), raising the key issues directly with candidates in your area and seeking their support for our policies.

·      Writing to candidates in your area that you have a relationship with and stressing the importance of the tourist industry at local level - attach a copy of the IHF Policy Document with the letter.

·      Distributing to staff the following list of questions they can pose to candidates when they meet them (download here). Posting to your suppliers (particularly any personal contacts) the following summary of issues facing our sector to encourage their support (download here).

·      Offering support to your Branch Chairperson in their efforts to engage with local candidates and advising your Branch of any commitments you receive from candidates for our proposals.

Your Branch Chairperson will be in touch separately with Speaking Points tailored for your county as well as contact details for main local candidates being targeted. As you are aware, a lot of political party activity takes place in hotels during election time, with party spokespersons and local candidates in attendance. Where possible, you should diplomatically avail of the opportunity to highlight with them the IHF’s issues on these occasions.

Thank you for your support. If you have any queries or require further material or advice, please do not hesitate to contact either your Branch Chairperson or Head Office (Tel: 01 497 6459).

Yours sincerely,

_______________

Stephen McNally

President, IHF