Hotels see big surge in business

hospitality

Nine out of 10 hotels recorded increased business in the first half of this year, as a sector many thought faced a decade at least of over-supply bounced back strongly.

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) said the vast majority of hotels and guesthouses have seen an upturn in business since January, according to its latest quarterly barometer.

The strong performance looks set to extend into the summer, with 83pc of premises reporting an increase in advance bookings over the coming months.

IHF president Stephen McNally said confidence among hoteliers has surged.

"Now that the peak summer season is under way, advance bookings for the remainder of the year are up across the board," he said.

"This is having a very positive impact on sentiment throughout the sector, with the majority of businesses planning to take on additional new staff over the next 12 months."

Sales of hotels have also been booming, with the first three months of the year the busiest on record.

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