Galway hoteliers upbeat for 2016

That’s according to the latest quarterly barometer from the Irish Hotels Federation, which reveals that local hoteliers have benefitted from a 13% increase in overseas visitors to Ireland over the last year – including significant growth key markets such as North America (visitors up 13%), Britain (up 11%) and the rest of Europe (up 14%).

Some 92% of hotels and guesthouses now report a positive outlook for the next twelve months, with a similar number (90%) saying business levels are up on last year.

Domestic tourism and hospitality business is also performing well, although from a low base following years of subdued consumer confidence.

Some 85% of hoteliers report increased business this year from the home market, with people taking more trips at home and spending more money in the local economy.

This is important for the sector given demand from the island of Ireland accounts for the majority of all hotel bed nights (69%).

In the run up to Christmas, growing consumer confidence and recovery in the domestic economy has been clearly evident on the ground.

Of those hotels targeting Christmas functions, some 70% report that bookings for parties and events are up on last year.

The increase is being seen right across the board, reflecting the widespread optimism among businesses nationally as they seek to recognise the contribution made by their staff during the year.

Shay Livingstone, Chair of the Galway Branch of the IHF revealed that confidence among hoteliers continues to improve as the recovery in tourism strengthens.

The upturn is contributing to significant jobs growth with 64% of hotels and guesthouses having increased staffing levels this year and 57% planning to take on further staff over the next twelve months.

This builds on the 33,000 new jobs created by Irish tourism and hospitality businesses since 2011 – accounting for more than one of every three new jobs in Ireland over this period.

For more, read this week's Connacht Tribune.