A prominent Clare Hotelier says the government needs to lend directly to businesses in the tourism industry.
Michael Vaughan’s comments come after the Oireachtas Committee on Tourism heard that long-standing business in the sector are facing collapse after Christmas.
The Irish tourist market has slumped from 8 billion euro in value to just 2 billion euro since last year, with over 100,000 jobs lost.
Michael Vaughan, of the Vaughan Lodge Hotel in Lahinch, says the government could be doing more.
Meanwhile, others in the tourism industry in Clare are anticipating their focus to be on the ‘staycation’ market once again in 2021.
A COVID-19 vaccine is expected to be rolled out here early next year, but it may be the autumn before enough people are vaccinated to achieve widespread immunity.
Director of Aillwee Cave and Bird of Prey Centre, Nuala Mulqueeney, believes Irish people will once again support the Midwest area next summer.
