The General Manager of the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel says hotels across the country are feeling the pressure as business costs spiral.
It comes as a report from the Irish Hotels Federation found 94% of hoteliers are concerned about the economic outlook for the sector.
Despite an uplift in tourism following the pandemic, hotels are still battling a reduction in hotel room occupancy, increased costs, and the planned increase in the tourism VAT.
Colin Ahern explains they are experiencing rising costs in all areas of the business:
“Over the last 12 months we’ve seen our energy bills go up by 400-500%. We’ve seen the cost of food increase by 25%. The cost of drink has increased by 15%”
The IHF report shows the number of people planning on visiting Ireland next year is predicted to be at an all time low since 2019.
60% of hoteliers have reported reduced bookings from the UK, while 47% said they had fewer bookings from Northern Ireland.
