B&B owners call for Fáilte Ireland to regulate sector

Bed and breakfast owners have called on tourism authorities to introduce compulsory licensing urgently for all, as well as a grading system to reduce the threat posed by a growing number of unapproved B&Bs.

A report published by Town and Country Homes Association, which represents more than 1,000 registered premises, highlighted how B&Bs are the only type of accommodation which are not classified or graded in the Republic.

Association chairwoman Kate Burns said as many as 5,000 unapproved B&Bs were allowed to operate as part of the black economy in the Republic without any health and safety standards.

She claimed the absence of any regulation was jeopardising the livelihood of the 2,600 B&B owners registered with Fáilte Ireland, the tourism authority.

Ms Burns said the future of the sector, which is worth more than €300m annually to the economy, was dependent on a proper regulatory system being put in place.

The association’s report, which involved consultation with industry, trade and marketing organisations, showed that 74% of respondents were in favour of compulsory licensing.

Two-thirds of approved B&B owners said the situation was unacceptable, though 56% expressed concern about their ability to remain in business in the face of increased regulation.

Tourism figures show that the number of nights spent in B&Bs fell by an average of 6% last year despite an overall growth in the number of tourists here.

According to Fáilte Ireland, almost 40% fewer B&Bs are operating compared to a decade ago following competition from hotels and guesthouses.

The B&B sector is also highly dependent on overseas visitors who account for 80% of all their & guests.

The association said the report was necessary because of the lack of progress on the issue since publication of a similar report by Fáilte Ireland in 2005 which highlighted the need for regulation and grading in the sector. “There is growing concerns that Fáilte Ireland may be moving away from supporting the B&B sector,” the report stated. Town and Country’s chief executive Helena Healy expressed concern that Fáilte Ireland appeared to be reluctant to introduce a grading scheme based on the usual star system associated with hotels.

Ms Healy said costs for the scheme should not be an issue as similar grading for hotels was self-financing.

“Customers and tour operators are looking for a system where standards in B&Bs are defined. The unregulated nature of B&Bs is undermining consumer confidence in the sector. It’s hard to believe that you can still put up a B&B sign outside your door and carry out business without any regulation,” she said.

However, the association has reservations about the categorisation system which Fáilte Ireland seems to prefer, whereby B&Bs would be promoted on the basis of their association with speciality tourism such as golf or hill walking.

Fáilte Ireland spokesman Tony Lenehan said the challenges facing B&Bs would require more than regulation to meet the needs of tourists: “The jury is still out on whether mandatory licensing is good for the operator and consumers.”