AT YOUR SERVICE: Fáilte Ireland's COVID-19 Safety Charter acts as a clear visual indicator to drive confidence among holidaymakers to take a ‘safe’ break in Ireland. Bernadette Randles (pictured centre, Proprietor of The Dromhall Hotel) received the certificate this week. Pictured from left: Josephine O’Driscoll (Fáilte Ireland Team Manager Wild Atlantic Way Southern Peninsulas), Ciara O’Callaghan (Dromhall Hotel), Bernadette Randlesm (Proprietor), Cian McCarthy (Dromhall Hotel), Jenny De Saulles (Director of Sector Development, Fáilte Ireland) and Paul O’Sullivan (General Manager, Dromhall Hotel). Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

EXCLUSIVE

By Sean Moriarty

Holidaying in Ireland is set to become tax deductible as part of a new scheme launched this week by the Government to encourage Irish people to take their holidays at home this year.

The stay-and-spend initiative to boost tourism was confirmed yesterday (Thursday) as part of the July stimulus package following a cabinet meeting in Dublin Castle.

Domestic holidaymakers can expect to receive €125 back on a €600 spend on accommodation and restaurant bills. The refund will come in the form of a tax credit or rebate. The offer is expected to come into effect in October and run until April 2021.

The move has been welcomed by the Irish Hotel Federation (IHF) but they warned that the Government needs to do even more to save an already troubled industry.

“Any and every move must be welcomed,” Bernadette Randles, Chair of the Kerry branch of the IHF told the Killarney Advertiser.

Her family runs the Dromhall Hotel on Muckross Road, which was recently granted Fáilte Ireland's COVID-19 Safety Charter.

As the country continues to progress along the Government’s Roadmap for reopening society and business, intention to take a break in Ireland among Irish consumers is growing. Fáilte Ireland’s latest consumer sentiment research shows that 60 percent of Irish people are now planning a short trip in Ireland in the next six months. However, safety is a significant concern for people.

Responding to these insights and the potential growth in the domestic market in 2020, Fáilte Ireland has introduced the COVID-19 Safety Charter to provide reassurance for consumers that they can book their domestic holiday with confidence.