Poor infrastructure sees West losing out on overseas visitors

TOURISM in the West and other areas low on infrastructure are losing the battle for overseas visitors, a new study found.

The shock figures show the average profit of Dublin hotels is 200% of that achieved on the western seaboard.

Hotels all along the in the West are suffering due to access problems, and the lack of investment in regional airports, according to the report published by Horwath Bastow Charlton.

“It is vital that this imbalance be addressed in order for this market to thrive. The combined factors of Dublin airport being the major gateway for visitors and shorter average length of stays by overseas visitors, leaves the western seaboard at a marked disadvantage in terms of capturing their fair share of overseas tourists,” said Aiden Murphy, who is a partner in the broad-based management consultancy group.

He warned that rising wages could jeopardise the sector generally in the long run.

The results of the survey show that payroll costs at hotels throughout the country have increased significantly in 2005 and now account for 37.6% of total revenue, compared to 35.4% in 2004.

“Hoteliers will need to address the issue of trimming payroll costs in the wider context of National Pay Agreements, in order for the industry to continue to develop,” he said.

The report demonstrates the that the Dublin hotel market has again emerged as the clear winner in 2005, with a particular emphasis on business tourism.