Hotels are calling on the Government to retain existing business and employment supports for the industry which has lost billions of Euro.

Hotel and guesthouses across the country have experienced an estimated €5.3 billion collapse in revenues across 2020 and 2021, according to figures from the IHF.

Chair of the Irish Hotel Federation’s Kerry (IHF) branch Bernadette Randles says the supports are vital for the recovery of the sector and the wider tourism industry.

Occupancy figures nationally are expected to reach just 32% for the year, compared to 73% for 2019.

“As Ireland’s largest indigenous employer, tourism supported almost 270,000 livelihoods including 15,700 in Kerry prior to the pandemic. Our industry has been hardest hit by the restrictions, and the ensuing economic and financial impact of COVID-19 has been devastating. The Government supports so far have been critical, and a lifeline for many businesses, helping to restore employment and support the viability of businesses until we get back to a more stable footing. However, we need a firm commitment that they will be retained until the impact of the pandemic has passed. Tourism will recover, but it will take time,” she said.

The IHF is also calling for the 9% tourism VAT rate to be retained until after 2025, to provide certainty and allow Irish tourism to compete internationally.

“Our industry has a proven track record as a major contributor to the economy. Tourism’s recovery is just beginning. The pro-tourism Government measures introduced have been vital and with their continued support we can fully recover the ground we lost during the pandemic,” she added.