A Shannon hotelier says there is a ‘fear’ in the industry that tourists may begin being priced out of travelling to this country.
Concerns have been raised about the impact rising prices may have on the tourism sector in Clare through this summer and beyond.
The cost of a hotel room, if you’re lucky enough to find one available, has risen substantially in the last number of months.
Hoteliers say it’s due to demand and issues arising from the current inflation crisis.
Representatives from the industry appeared before an Oireachtas committee yesterday, where they described what they say is a ‘misperception’ in the public’s minds about current prices.
They say supply is the key challenge and that they’re not guilty of price gouging.
However, regardless of the reason behind the price rises, it’s sparked concerns here in an industry which more than 1 in 10 workers in Clare depend on for their livelihood.
Dermot Kelly of the Shannon Springs Hotel says that fear is very real in the sector locally, particularly as it hasn’t been able to yet fully recover from the impacts of the pandemic.
It’s not just the hotel industry itself where the impact is being felt, with spin off effects being felt in other areas that depend on tourism such as coach drivers.
Those providing transport to tourists when they get here are already facing rising costs due the ongoing increases in fuel prices.
North Clare private bus operator Brian Farrell says getting tourists to come here firstly isn’t a concern, but getting them to return afterwards is.
Listen back to the full interview here:
