Hoteliers in Clare are warning of a challenging 2024, due to soaring output costs across wages, commercial rates and utility bills.
It comes hot on the heals of a new Fáilte Ireland survey, which shows this county has the highest rate of refugees and Asylum Seekers using tourist beds in the country.
Fáilte Ireland is warning that ‘Displaced bed stock’ could be costing the tourism sector here as much as a billion euro.
It’s latest report has found that 33% of all tourist beds in Clare are currently under government contract to host Ukrainian Refugees and Asylum Seekers.
The report noted the number of beds under contract to the government is down since the summer, but warned the impact of these contracts on the tourism sector ‘cannot be understated’.
Previous research from the national tourism development authority also suggests that for every euro spent by visitors on holiday accommodation, an additional €2.50 will be spent on ancillary services.
A prominent Ennis Hotelier believes that while the Government needs to aim for regional balance, the lack of visitor beds is a legacy issue in Clare.
Owner of the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis, Allen Flynn says that while the county has the best attractions to boast in the country, an urgent discussion is required to find solutions that will increase accommodation and footfall.
The lack of tourist accommodation is far from the only challenge facing Clare’s providers heading into the new year.
Excel Recruitment’s Hotel and Catering Salary Guide for 2024 predicts that industry standard wages for receptionists, chefs, bar and waiting staff will be each be in line for an increase of between 12.5% to 14%.
On top of that, from January 1st, employers will be faced with a new rate of minimum wage, which will rise from €11.30 to €12.70 per hour for workers aged 20 and over.
Owner of Hotel Doolin and the Armada Hotel at Spanish Point , John Burke says the industry will be headed for troubled waters without Government intervention.
You can listen to the full interview below.
