Strong pro-tourism Budget hailed by hotels

VAT measures in today's Budget have been hailed by the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) as a positive move for competing in the business tourism market.

Annette Devine, president of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) said: “Allowing VAT refunds on hotel costs for conference visitors gives an enormous boost to marketing Ireland and in gaining a greater share €40bn global conference market.

"This positive change in the treatment of VAT on business expenditure in hotels puts Ireland on a more even playing field with other EU countries when competing in the business tourism market.

"It will ensure Ireland is successfully positioned as one of the key locations on the international conference map."