Mayo hoteliers report positive outlook for the summer

HOTELS and guesthouses in Mayo have seen an upturn in business during the first six months of 2015, according to the latest quarterly barometer from the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF).

With overseas visitors to Ireland up 12% year to date, local hoteliers are reporting an increase in business from key markets such as Britain, North America, France and Germany.

The IHF’s industry survey shows that 87% of Irish hoteliers are now optimistic about the trading conditions for their business over the next 12 months. Some nine out of 10 hoteliers across the country are reporting an increase in business levels compared to the same period last year. This strong performance is continuing into the peak summer season with 83% of premises reporting an increase in advance bookings over the coming months.

Michael Lennon, chair of the Mayo branch of the IHF, says that confidence among local hoteliers continues to strengthen as the recovery in tourism takes hold. Growth is particularly evident in Westport, Ballina and Castlebar.

Mr. Lennon notes that, in addition to growth in overseas visitors, the sector is beginning to benefit from a stronger domestic economy with homegrown tourism starting to recover, albeit from a low base following years of subdued consumer confidence.

He explains: “We’re on track for another year of robust growth, with overseas visitors to Ireland likely to reach 7.8 million by year end. This is having a positive impact on sentiment across Mayo’s tourism industry, which looks set to do well this year.

“Local hotels have seen a welcome uplift in business so far and, with the summer period now under way, bookings continue to increase, which is enabling premises to grow and take on additional staff.”

Mr. Lennon adds that the upturn in tourism is being underpinned by a number of supportive measures from the government, including the zero rate travel tax and the 9% tourism VAT rate, which has brought Ireland more closely in line with tourism VAT rates across the rest of Europe.

The IHF chair in Mayo says that as a destination, the county has become more imaginative in developing its tourism product and in giving holidaymakers new and compelling reasons to visit. “An example of this is the Wild Atlantic Way, which has helped re-energise regional tourism, providing a very welcome boost to Mayo’s local economy. It’s vital that we continue to invest in developing and marketing this initiative and don’t take our eye off the ball.”