Hotel & Restaurant Sector

Hotel summer bookings at just 20% - IHF

RTÉ Business – 22.02.2021

Hotels and guesthouses around the country are reporting average booking levels for July and August of just 20%, according to the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF). Reservations are particularly low in Dublin, with booking levels of just 12% and 14% respectively across the two months. The record low levels of pre-booking for the summer season come amid increased uncertainty about when Covid-19 restrictions will be eased enough to allow most hotels and other hospitality to reopen. Last weekend the Taoiseach said the sector is unlikely to reopen before mid-summer. The IHF is now calling for urgent clarity to be given about how long business and employee supports will continue.

Deliveroo launches new tech product that allows restaurants to receive orders through their own websites

Hospitality Ireland – 10.02.2021

Food delivery firm Deliveroo has launched a new tech product called Signature, which allows restaurants to receive orders through their own websites while still benefiting from Deliveroo's delivery service and customer support. Deliveroo stated that Signature is particularly beneficial for independent restaurant partners, which might not be unable to develop the technology independently. According to Deliveroo, by using Signature, restaurants will be able to reach new customers and develop existing relationships through targeted marketing campaigns, and promote their offering on social media to drive growth and order volumes for themselves. Deliveroo Ireland Growth Manager Paddy Quinlan commented, "Deliveroo is committed to supporting restaurants through this pandemic”. Chains and restaurants that have already signed up for Signature include Nando's and Dublin's Sano Pizza.