The Irish Hotels Federation has, today, been hosting a ‘Supporting Irish Tourism Hospitality’ industry briefing event today for TDs and Senators to meet with hotels from around the country to discuss the key issues and challenges facing Irish tourism.
Attendees were set to hear about the necessary steps required to ensure the successful long-term development of Ireland’s largest indigenous industry, supporting over 270,000 livelihoods.
A key focus of the event 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. 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.
Key policy priorities for discussion:
- 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
