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Hoteliers report strong start to 2017

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KILLARNEY and Kerry hoteliers were well represented at a major conference this morning which reported a good start to the year.

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) carried out the survey in advance of its 79th annual conference in the Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny. Most say business levels are up compared to this time last year and they are also seeing an increase in advance bookings for the year.

However, while hoteliers nationally have a positive outlook for their business in 2017, on the back of a record year for tourism in 2016, their optimism is tinged with caution. Half (50%) of the hoteliers surveyed say that the fall in sterling has already had a direct effect on their business.

Nationally, almost three-quarters (74%) of hoteliers are seeing an even better start to this year than last. The strong growth in business levels from the US looks set to continue in 2017 with almost half of hotels and guesthouses (48%) reporting an increase from this important market. Visitor numbers from German and French markets are proving buoyant too. One third (35%) of premises are reporting an increase in German visitors so far this year and nearly one in five (18%) are benefiting from increased business from France. Hoteliers are also upbeat for the remainder of the year, as advance bookings from these markets at this point seem robust. Forty-four per cent are reporting an increase in bookings from the US while three in ten (30%) are seeing a rise in bookings from Germany and one in six (17%) say bookings are up from France.

Domestic tourism is also proving positive, which is particularly important for those regions outside the main cities and tourism hot spots that have not benefitted significantly from the recovery in overseas tourism in recent years. Already this year two thirds (66%) of hotels and guesthouses are reporting an increase in business levels from home grown visitors with most also seeing a rise in advance bookings too.

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Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

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The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

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Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

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Network Ireland Kerry held their third annual collaboration event last Wednesday at the Rose Hotel, Tralee. The theme was: “The Journey to Sustainable Success” which brought three industry experts together to talk about their own journey to sustainable successful.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for this highly anticipated event to learn about the journey from becoming a start-up, to a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), and a large SME.

The event was opened by AIB Branch Liaison for Network Ireland Kerry and AIB Castleisland Branch Manager, Colleen Shannon. It was MC’d by AIB Tralee Branch Manager, Stephen Stack.

Sarah Farrar of AINMHÌ, Garrett Dillon of Mr. Binman and Dillon Waste Ltd. and Susan Quirke-Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School Group were among the speakers at the event.

These leaders spoke about their challenges, milestones, and breakthroughs they encountered, from launching an idea to scaling operations nationally.

Tara Elzingre of Tara Elzingre Consultancy, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein of Rustic Boowa and Sharon Hartnett of U Coaching promoted their businesses for ‘Minute on the Mic’

Emily Reen, Network Ireland Kerry President, described the event as a testament to the power of partnership. She said: “The event underscored a powerful message: sustainable business success is not a solo journey. With the right partnerships, teams and financial tools, businesses of all sizes can grow with purpose, resilience, and long-term impact.”

Network Ireland Kerry will host their next monthly event on November 12 in Killarney and in collaboration with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, titled: “Gain Competitive Advantage in Your Business”. This event will be MC’d by Karen Ronan, 2025 National Vice President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber. This event is open to non-members and members, and everyone is welcome from 6 pm for networking and refreshments, with the event taking place from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

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