IRISH HOTELIERS say they are cautiously optimistic about trade through this year’s tourist season, according to a new survey, and most say they believe Queen Elizabeth’s visit provided a welcome boost to tourism.

Of over 100 hotel and guesthouse owners and managers surveyed by the Irish Hotels Federation, 53 per cent report an increase in overall business on last year. However, over a third say they have seen a decrease in their business.

Two-thirds, though, say they are optimistic about the viability of their business over the next 12 months.

Over 90 per cent of respondents said they believed that the royal visit in May had a positive impact on tourism and 83 per cent say they expect to see a boost in tourist numbers as a direct result.

In March, a report released by the international accommodation booking website hotels.com said that Irish hotels offer the best value in Western Europe. In a poll by TheJournal.ie, almost half of the hundreds of respondents said that Irish hotels are a mixed bag when it comes to good value for money, while 40 per cent said they don’t think the hotels do offer good value.

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