Remarks at the Opening of the Irish Hotels Federation Annual Conference
5th March 2012
Dia dhaoibh a chairde, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you for that very warm welcome. I am very pleased to have been invited here today to open the Irish Hotels Federation Annual Conference. The Conference, I know, gives hoteliers an opportunity to focus on matters of significant importance to the industry. I think it is particularly important this year to allow for reflection on the welcome return to growth that the tourism industry achieved last year and the challenges that the tourism sector and Ireland’s economy generally faces in the years ahead.
No one should be in any doubt about the fact that hoteliers and the wider tourism industry make an enormous contribution to our economy. It is true that following
a period of rapid growth in the 1990s tourism numbers fell between 2007 and 2010 as worldwide economic circumstances affected disposable incomes across the globe. However, the Irish tourism industry is resilient and it is heartening to see that, despite the continuing difficulties in economies worldwide, Ireland’s tourism industry achieved a welcome return to growth in overseas visits of almost 8% in 2011. It is also even more encouraging that employment in accommodation and food services increased by 6,000 over the six month period to the end of September last.
The modest recovery in 2011 reflects the resilience, capability and qualities of the people who are employed in our tourism industry. It mirrors the manner in which the industry responded to other challenges in the past such as the avian flu or foot and mouth disease. These episodes created huge difficulties for the tourism industry but the people involved faced the challenge, got on with what they knew and were best at and we can have every confidence that that spirit and flexibility will serve the industry well in 2012 and future years as it did in the past.
We know that tourism destinations go in and out of fashion, tastes and trends change and of course access to information on just about anywhere in our world is instantly available at the click of a mouse. With so many options, so much competition for business, we know too that Ireland must continue to do its utmost to ensure that visitors to our shores enjoy their holiday or short break experience and pass on the good word to colleagues, families and friends. In your industry reputation is a crucial resource.
We have much to attract the visitor - if not at the top of the list an over indulgence of sunshine – however what we lack in that regard we more than make up for in
the warmth of our welcome, the quality of our service, the natural beauty and contrasts of our landscapes and seascapes and the variety we have to offer. Our culture and history, the great literary tradition we enjoy, our music, song, dance, Gaelic games, stretch back over centuries. And all of this we share with the inquisitive visitor, making us unique as a tourism destination. We can be proud of the great wealth of experiences that we can offer on our small island. We must cherish these advantages, protect them and continue to add to them.
It is encouraging to know that the majority of visitors holidaying in Ireland say that a personal recommendation was key in their decision to come here. Some 88% of visitors surveyed in 2010 said that they would definitely recommend Ireland for a visit. You, as hoteliers, stakeholders and service providers, and your employees are the source of those satisfaction levels. It augurs well indeed for the future. And as we look to the future, on the horizon we look to one of the biggest tourism initiatives ever in 2013. Preparations are under way for the very exciting initiative “The Gathering” - a year-long programme of events and gatherings, driven by arts, sports, business and community groups and supported by the tourism bodies. I very much hope, a hope you will share, that we will attract the projected figure of up to 325,000 extra visitors, and that ‘The Gathering’ will prove to be a very good news story and a great success.
The Gathering, as an initiative, is targeted at people living abroad with a connection to Ireland but it is of course open to all to come and experience Ireland. Individuals and groups will be encouraged and supported to organise gatherings to attract the participation of locals and connect with those who live overseas. It will be implemented in partnership with agencies and voluntary groups, including local authorities, supported by Fáilte Ireland’s Destination Project Managers and regional teams.
In my inauguration speech I said that during my Presidency I would invite all citizens, of all ages, to make their own imaginative and practical contribution to the shaping of our shared future. The Gathering gives everyone an opportunity to do just that – to showcase what is best about Ireland and its culture and at the same time providing that warm Irish welcome, the céad míle fáilte, of which we are proud. Those who work in the hotel industry are the first point of contact with Ireland and Irishness for many people.
Our visitors define Irishness in terms of that experience. If Ireland has a reputation for friendliness it is built on these interactions.
In my inauguration speech I also said that “We Irish are a creative, resourceful, talented and warm people”. From the experience of our visitors these are attributes found in our hoteliers and your staff. I know that my words are not necessary to encourage you to redouble your efforts to make the visitor experience even better and thank you for the valuable contribution you make to society and to the economy as we build the future, together.
Once again I thank you for the welcome you have given me today and in conclusion I wish you well in your conference deliberations and discussions.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.