Self Catering And B&B Sector Highlight Problems Facing Sector

Business & Finance - Tourism

Wednesday, 29 September 2010 12:48

Written by Conor Joyce

Representatives from the Irish Self Catering Federation and Bed And Breakfast Ireland will appear the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Sport, Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs today to discuss measures to encourage Irish people to holiday at home.

Chairman of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Deputy Tom Kitt said: “Tourism is an important indigenous industry, employing around 200,000 people, and is a vital contributor to the national economy. Bed and Breakfast and self catering enterprises form a key part of our tourism offering and they provide a competitive and vibrant alternative to the hotel sector. It is important that we have a broad range of accommodation available to tourists and those on holiday. As well as focusing on increasing numbers of tourists from overseas, Irish tourist businesses should continue to target the domestic market which in my view is very receptive to competitive prices and good quality product.

“This meeting today with the Irish Self Catering Federation and Bed And Breakfast Ireland will give each delegation the opportunity to review the past year, outline the scale of the problems facing the sector and unveil plans for the year ahead. Members of the Committee are conscious of the difficulties facing the tourism industry and are keen to find solutions. This meeting will allow Members of the Committee to raise any concerns they may have for the industry", he added.