A Lahinch hotelier is calling for a state-sponsored licencing system to protect consumers where tourism providers fold, leaving people at a loss.
Westmeath-based Exploring Vacations has ceased trading, which has left a number of holidaymakers and service providers, including many in Clare, out of pocket.
The firm acted as an intermediary allowing foreign tourists to book accommodation or car hire in Ireland by taking payment upfront from the customer and then paying the provider.
On Friday, it was announced it was going into liquidation and Michael Vaughan of Vaughan’s Lodge Hotel in Lahinch says it’s time to change the system to protect Ireland’s reputation with foreign visitors: