Hotels peak at quarter full
Galway hotels will be just one-quarter full for these peak holiday months of July and August – down from an average of 90 per cent occupancy this time last year.
That’s according to the latest industry survey conducted by the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) shows national occupancy levels of 23% and 26% for the peak summer months.
The figures based on responses from 217 hoteliers across the country and was conducted during the last week in June.
Occupancy for September – traditionally a popular time for US visitors – currently stands at just 22 per cent.
IHF Galway branch chairman, John Ryan of the Ardilaun Hotel, said that the figures show plenty of availability in hotels and guesthouses in every county including Galway.
However, he added that the substantial drop in occupancy levels highlighted the unprecedented challenges facing the sector and the requirement for immediate interventions to support tourism businesses in Galway and across the country.
“When we look across the water to the UK, we see the decisive action taken this week by the UK Government in their Plan for Jobs,” he said.
“The slashing of their VAT rate from 20% to 5% is a clear sign of their commitment to support the recovery of their tourism and hospitality industry. Given how closely our economies are intertwined a similar cut here is necessary.
“The UK is not only Ireland’s biggest market for overseas tourists, it is also our biggest competitor,” he added.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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