The chair of the Kerry branch of the Irish Hotels’ Federation has penned an open letter to all local elections candidates seeking their support for pro-tourism policies in advance of polling day.
Brian Lawlor said a flourishing tourism and hospitality industry is vital for Kerry’s prosperity and economic well-being and the industry plays an essential role in delivering balanced regional growth and makes a major economic contribution to Kerry.
As the county’s largest indigenous employer, tourism enterprises support over 16,000 livelihoods in in Kerry, he pointed out”
“While we have seen a welcome recovery in recent years, tourism and hospitality businesses are now facing a significant number of pressing challenges with implications for the longer-term sustainable development of our industry,” Mr Lawlor said in the letter which has been communicated to the election candidates through KillarneyToday.com.
Picture: Eamonn Keogh
These include the exceptionally high cost of doing business, pressures on consumer finances, skills shortages and an uncertain outlook for key tourism markets.
He said local authorities have an essential role to play in supporting the local tourism economy by helping to ensure the right conditions are in place to sustain further recovery.
“It is therefore of the utmost importance that elected councillors do everything in their power to make sure that tourism is at the top of the agenda while working closely with local tourism stakeholders to support growth and sustain local employment,” Mr Lawlor stressed.
Mr Lawlor, general manager with the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, has urged all candidates to commit to:
- Greater collaboration with the tourism sector
- Support for community-based tourism
- A renewed focus on local government efficiencies
- A greater focus is required to address the shortage of housing accommodation which is having a serious impact on the ability to attract employees
- A reduction in tourism VAT
We’re No 1 for Local Elections Coverage: No other local publication can match our reach. To advertise call 087-2229761
