The Irish hotel industry is showing strong signs of recovery – with demand this year outstripping The Gathering in 2013.
A new report by Crowe Howarth Accountants shows a rapid rise in visitor numbers, driven by a surge of visitors from the US and Canada – who traditionally spend more and stay longer.
Dublin has seen the biggest rise in demand, but hotels elsewhere are also performing well.
The report comes as one prominent Clare hotelier urges the government to protect the sector's special VAT rate in October's budget.
Fáilte Ireland says 30 thousand jobs have been created as a result of the nine per cent levy which was introduced in 2011 to boost tourism and stimulate employment.
Lahinch hotellier Michael Vaughan – former President of the Irish Hotels Federation – feels the reduced charge should be kept permanently.
