New tourism group welcomed by IHF

Dublin: The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) has welcomed Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Mary Hanafin’s establishment of an industry-wide group to oversee and drive actions on measures to support tourism in Ireland.

IHF president Paul Gallagher said tourism must remain to the fore of government policy and decision-making if Ireland’s largest indigenous industry is to play its full role in the recovery of the Irish economy.

Mr Gallagher welcomed the commitment shown by Ms Hanafin in chairing the Renewal Implementation Group and the Government’s acknowledgement of the importance of maintaining investment in overseas marketing.

Mr Gallagher also welcomed the appointment of John Raftery, chairman of the Irish Hotels Federation Marketing Committee and proprietor of the Downhill Inn Hotel, Ballina, Co Mayo, to the group.