Tourism’s ‘green shoots’ as visitor numbers rise

The tide is starting to turn for the hard-pressed tourist industry, according to a leading figure in the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF).

“For the first time since the recession began, I can see some green shoots,” said IHF executive council member and Kerry hotelier Michael Rosney at the weekend.

The June bank holiday traditionally marks the start of the tourist season in many areas.

Mr Rosney said there were indications of a small increase in visitor numbers this season and a slight increase in prices.

The current favourable exchange rate for the dollar against the euro and a reported pick-up in the American economy should also boost the US market, he felt.

“The general feeling is that the situation has bottomed out and we have begun the long slow climb to whatever is the new normality,” he said.

A slight increase in prices should not be seen by customers as a negative factor, he added.

“The fact is that many properties were charging unsustainable prices for the last few years.

“Some were actually selling at a loss just to generate turnover,” said Mr Rosney, owner of Killeen House Hotel, Killarney.

“There’s no way that situation could continue.

“People would have no money to reinvest in their products and they would simply go bankrupt by selling at a loss,” he said, adding that Irish people were hugely important to the industry, with short breaks now being a major part of the business of many hotels.

“If not for the loyal support of the Irish market, some hotels would not have survived the tough times,” he said.

A new promotion website that will help enable Kerry’s tourism businesses to market themselves has been launched by Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Minister Jimmy Deenihan.

The website offers a single point of access, listing attractions, accommodation, public houses, restaurants and much more.

GoKerry.ie also has a wide range of information relating to all aspects of the tourism industry in Kerry.