The vast majority of Irish hotels are planning to invest in refurbishments in 2016, according to a survey carried put by the Irish Hotels Federation.
The survey revealed that 93 per cent of respondents said they plan to invest in upgrades to their hotel, while 82 per cent said they have seen a rise in bookings this year. Some 80 per cent said advanced bookings have increased also.
Outgoing IHF president Stephen McNally (pictured) said the the outlook for 2016 is good following a "positive" start to the year. That said, he reiterated that the huge upturn in the Dublin market is not necessarily replicated all over the country, and many businesses still have cause for worry.
Speaking at the IHF's 78th annual conference in Killarney, McNally called for Government action on the costs associated with the running of hotels in Ireland, including rates, which he described as being “out of kilter with economic reality”.
IHF chief executive Tim Fenn also said water charges and energy costs were a burden on the industry, threatening future tourism to the country.
The IHF revealed this week that hotel and guesthouse occupancy rates in Ireland hit a 10-year high of 70 per cent in 2015.
