Hoteliers from across the country gathered at the Gleneagle Hotel this week for the Irish Hotels Federation’s (IHF) 88th Annual Conference.

The event comes at a time when the industry is grappling with mounting business costs and significant global economic concerns.

New research released by the IHF at the conference highlights the level of anxiety within the sector.

According to the data, 92% of hoteliers are worried about the global economy and political uncertainty in key markets.

Additionally, 76% expressed concern regarding the Irish economy over the coming year as consumer finances remain under pressure.

Despite these pressures, the industry is maintaining a cautiously optimistic outlook for 2026.

A slight majority of hoteliers (51%) reported a positive outlook for trading conditions over the next 12 months, while 36% described their outlook as neutral.

Only 13% of those surveyed reported a negative outlook for the year ahead.

The conference follows a strong performance for the sector in 2025. National hotel occupancy averaged 76% for the year, a 1% increase on 2024 levels.

However, IHF members noted that regional disparities continue to be a challenge, with occupancy levels varying from 70% in border regions to 83% in Dublin.

Tributes paid to long-serving Scott’s Hotel manager Dan McCarthy

Tributes have been paid this week to Dan McCarthy, the long-standing General Manager of Scotts Hotel, who passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at his home on Sunday, February 22.

A proud Cork native originally from Turners Cross, Dan moved to Killarney over 30 years ago. During three decades at Scotts Hotel, he became a central figure in the local tourism industry and the wider Killarney community.
The O’Donoghue family and the team at Scott’s described him as the “foundation of the hotel,” noting his legendary wit, work ethic, and passion for people.
Dan was laid to rest following a Requiem Mass on Thursday, February 26, at Christ the King Church in Turners Cross, Cork, with burial afterward at St James’ Cemetery, Chetwynd.
His passing has been felt deeply by his colleagues in Killarney, who noted that while he remained a loyal ‘Rebel’, he had truly woven himself into the fabric of the Kingdom.
He is survived by his children, Shane and Grace, his mother Peg, his brothers Ger, Gene, Barry, Dave, and Paul, as well as his extended family, many friends, and longtime colleagues at Scott’s Hotel.