MEDIA STATEMENT

“The earlier reopening of hotels is excellent news and a welcome boost for the tourism community across the country, as well as for people of all ages who are looking for a well-deserved holiday after lockdown. Hotels have already begun to adapt their services and facilities in anticipation of reopening under COVID-19 guidelines as they prepare to reopen and welcome guests from the end of June.

The health and safety of employees and guests will always be our main priority. We have been working closely with Failte Ireland on the development of agreed operational standards that cover all aspects of a hotel’s operations and facilities. We are seeing great examples of creativity, innovativeness and flexibility in terms of how hotels and guesthouses are using their property’s spaces as well as rethinking services, restaurant and leisure facilities so that guests can relax and enjoy their break, secure in the knowledge that they are staying in a safe environment.”

We also welcome the announcement today that the Temporary Way Subsidy Scheme will be extended until the end of August. This is a significant development as it will help tourism businesses including hotels to keep their teams together and supported financially during the re-start phase.”

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Media Queries:
Weber Shandwick: Seán Lawless / Ger McCarthy
Mob: 085 11 676 40 / 086 2333590

Editors Notes:

Tourism sector at a glance

• 10.9 million out of state visitors
• Tourism accounts for almost 4% of GNP
• Total tourism revenue of €9.2 billion in 2019
• Tourism industry created over 90,000 new jobs since 2011. Before the COVID-19 crisis it supported over 260,000 jobs, equivalent to 11% of total employment in Ireland with over 60,000 of these jobs in the hotel sector alone.
• €7.25 billion in foreign exchange earnings
• €1.96 billion in domestic tourism revenue in 2019
• Total of 62,897 hotel and guesthouse bedrooms in Ireland (2019)