Hoteliers say rise in Vat rate will cost jobs

Nearly 80% of hoteliers saw a boost in profits on the back of the good summer and an increase in footfall from the US, according to a survey by the Irish Hotels Federation.

However, the group said a withdrawal of supports, such as the 9% Vat rate that the currently industry enjoys, would result in an immediate loss of jobs.

Chief executive Tim Fenn urged that the Vat rate be retained. “The 9% tourism Vat rate initiative allowed tourism businesses to survive and create thousands of additional jobs at the first sign of an early and fragile recovery,” he said.