At the Irish Hotels Federation’s 87th Annual Conference in Killarney, over 77pc of Irish hoteliers stated their intention to increase investment this year.
An estimated €250m will be allocated for refurbishment projects in 2025, with 58pc of hotels focusing on guest bedrooms.
A strong commitment to environmental sustainability is evident, with 61pc of hotels planning to boost investments in initiatives like renewable energy and food waste reduction.
With 85pc of hoteliers prioritising training and skills development, the sector seeks to enhance team capabilities to meet evolving guest expectations.
The conference continues today with 830 delegates gathered in Killarney, the largest number since before the global financial recession. This is the third time that the Gleneagles hotel has hosted the conference, after 2016 and 209. A total of 375 sat down for the President’s dinner last evening wither a five course serving:
- Amuse-bouche crab and trout mousse éclair, trout caviar
- Watergrasshill lamb croquette, pistachio and mint pesto, crème fraîche, Cooleeney farm Gortnamona goat’s cheese and spinach tart, pickled cranberries, micro herbs
- Pan seared monkfish, mussel and Killarney blonde ale bisque, parsnip chips
- Skeaghanore duck breast, confit duck leg lollipop, cauliflower and almond puree, honey glazed rainbow carrots
- Custard tart brown sugar glaze, caramelised mini pear, brown bread ice cream, served with tea and coffee
