- ITIC called for an extension of hospitality tax cuts
- North American visitor numbers fell 3pc in August
- Spending from North American visitors fell by €9m to €262m
- The group wants the 9pc VAT rate extended to attractions and campsites
- The conference revealed an AI training partnership with OpenAI
The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation has called for an extension of hospitality tax cuts following a 3pc drop in North American holidaymakers to Ireland in August. Spending from North American visitors has fallen by €9m to €262m. More than 400 hospitality figures have gathered in Dublin for the ITIC annual conference.
The group has wanted Budget 2027 to extend the 9pc VAT rate currently applied to restaurants and cafes to attractions, adventure tourism and campsites. Research has estimated the wider relief would cost the Exchequer €17m. ITIC chair Anne O’Donoghue has described the overall picture as mixed with businesses facing cost pressures.
Chief executive Eoghan O’Mara Walsh shared that demand is uneven and margins are squeezed. The conference has also revealed an AI training partnership with OpenAI for small tourism firms. Speakers have included Tourism Minister Peter Burke and the US ambassador.
