Media Statement

HOTELIERS WELCOME EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT MEASURES

IHF says sector specific measures are also needed to safeguard tourism industry

24th March 2020: Hotel and guesthouse owners across the country have welcomed the Government’s new Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, the enhanced COVID - 19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment, the inclusion of the self-employed in this scheme and the provision of enhanced protections for people facing difficulties with their mortgages.

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) also welcomes Government’s recognition of the role that hotels play in essential non-social and non-tourist services. President of the Irish Hotels Federation, Elaina Fitzgerald Kane called today’s measures as vital to tackling the public health crisis and at the same time providing necessary supports to those who have lost their jobs. But she warned that further sector specific measures will be required to ensure the recovery of tourism and other parts of the economy. “Today’s announcement is very welcome but it is not nearly enough to safeguard the future of the tourism sector,” she said.

“Current and future bookings vanished in a matter of days. Revenues plummeted by up to 100% across the sector with a catastrophic impact on cash flow. We are calling again on the Government to waive local authority rates on Covid – 19 affected businesses for the duration of the crisis and for a reduction in the rates of tourism VAT and employer’s PRSI to zero until we see a recovery. Urgent action is required.” she said.
 

- ENDS -

Media Queries:

Seán Lawless / Ger McCarthy                                     Tel: 01 6798600

Weber Shandwick                                                         Mobile:  085 11 676 40 / 086 2333590