Hoteliers welcome Budget measures to support tourism

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) today welcomed what it called "strong and decisive action" announced in the Budget to assist the survival of the tourism industry.

“We welcome the Government’s commitment to tourism as a key pillar of the Irish economy," said IHF chief executive Tim Fenn.

"If given serious attention, tourism can be a significant driver of economic growth while also making a major contribution to our national recovery over the next four years."

Measures set out in today’s Budget include the reduction to €3 of the €10 travel tax, the maintainance of current levels of marketing funding and the retention of current VAT rates.

"Overall, the budget represents a decisive approach to getting the country back on its feet and restoring confidence in the economy both nationally and internationally," Mr Fenn said.

"These will help the industry gain a greater share of an increasingly competitive international market.”