Hotel & Restaurant Sector 

Hotel booking levels rise to 31% for July – IHF 

RTÉ Business – 20.05.2021 

Hotel and guesthouse owners have reported an increase in bookings which followed the Government's recent announcement that hotels will re-open on June 2. The latest industry survey from the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) shows booking levels nationally now average 31% for July and 27% for August – the key summer months. This compares to levels of 23% and 21% respectively just ahead of the announcement. Ms Fitzgerald Kane said hotels require a clear commitment from the Government to retain the tourism VAT rate. The IHF also called for a firm commitment from government on business and employment supports for the sector into 2022. 

Restaurants struggle to fill staff vacancies ahead of reopening 

Irish Times – 16.05.2021 

After months of shutdown it should be a time of optimism for restaurants and hospitality outlets as reopening approaches. But many in the sector say they now face a new problem of staff shortages and difficulties rehiring. Despite safety protocols applied by venues, hiring difficulties persist due to a range of factors, owners say, including fears over the possibility of future lockdowns, staff leaving the sector for other jobs or to move abroad, and the persistently high cost of living. Nisheeth Tak, owner of Indian restaurant Rasam, said he has “never had problems hiring to this extent” in the 18 years his restaurant has been open in Glasthule, Dublin.