The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) has called on all political parties and candidates in the general election to commit to policy measures aimed at staving off the ‘commercial crisis’ facing the wider tourism and hospitality industry, particularly foodservice businesses.
Launching its manifesto, IHF president Michael Magner said that an urgent change in direction is now required, to ensure the future viability of the industry.
“A key priority for our sector is the need to tackle the cost of doing business, which is getting out of control and posing an enormous risk to the sector,” said Magner.
“There has been an alarming deterioration in the commercial model of hospitality food services, in particular, as a result of the increased VAT rate coupled with a raft of government-imposed large cost increases.”
The IHF is calling on all political parties and candidates in the general election to commit to a number of key policy initiatives, including an urgent review of the government’s tourism policy approach and 9% VAT for food services.
The federation also wants targeted measures to improve the overall cost competitiveness within the economy over the next five years and increased funding for hospitality training and skills development through the National Training Fund.
“Our message to all political parties and candidates in the general election is that tourism and hospitality should not be taken for granted,” said Magner. “Much more needs to be done to safeguard and prioritise our industry.”
