Irish Hotels Federation

Lobbying Organisation Irish Hotels Federation

Date published 21 May, 2026

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Tourism

Period 1 Jan. 2026 to 30 Apr. 2026

Specific Details Seeking Government measures to support the long term growth and development of Ireland's tourism and hospitality industry

Intended results Measures to improve cost competitiveness and avoid any further cost increases Clarification in relation to the application of the 9% VAT rate for hotel packages involving both accommodation and food services Removal of the passenger cap at Dublin Airport Measures to support increased investment in hotel accommodation

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Paul Gallagher (Chief Executive of the Irish Hotels Federation)

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Mass communications

Email All Oireachtas Members Media statement shared in relation to measures for supporting improved cost competitiveness for tourism businesses

Email All Oireachtas Members Media statement shared s in relation to measures for supporting increased investment in hotel accommodation

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Social Media (2-5)

Policy measures to support the development of Irish tourism, including measures to enhance cost competitiveness and removal of the passenger cap at Dublin Airport.

Email (2-5)

Seeking clarification in relation to the application of the 9% VAT rate for hotel packages involving both accommodation and food services

Letter (1)

Seeking clarification in relation to the application of the 9% VAT rate for hotel packages involving both accommodation and food services

Phone call (1)

Seeking clarification in relation to the application of the 9% VAT rate for hotel packages involving both accommodation and food services

Meeting (1)

Calling for a clear policy framework at an EU level to support hospitality and tourism SMEs and long-term development of the industry.

Meeting (2-5)

Policy measures to support the development of Irish tourism, including measures to enhance cost competitiveness.

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú MEP (European Parliament)

Peter Burke Minister (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)

Simon Harris Minister (Department of Finance)

Brian Keegan Special Advisor (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)