asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (a) whether his attention has been drawn to press advertisements of 26th November, 1949, announcing a daily tariff of 42/ and 40/- for hotel accommodation in the Great Southern hotels at Parknasilla and Killarney, respectively; (b) whether these charges are warranted by costs or otherwise; (c) the cost of all the advertised extras, and (d) whether these heavy charges are considered to be an incentive to tourists to visit our country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hotel Charges.
I am aware that the rates quoted by the Deputy were mentioned in an advertisement published by Córas Iompair Éireann about the Christmas programme in the Great Southern hotels at Parknasilla and Killarney. These charges are shown in the official list of the Irish Tourist Board for 1949 and the board were informed that the charges cover the special programme of entertainments, which includes dancing, concerts, etc. The board have advised me that many Irish hotels provide a special programme of festivities at Christmas time and that the cost of providing additional entertainment and attractions is known to be high. The board take the view, in which I concur, that these special seasonal events provide an added tourist attraction and help to contribute towards the national earnings from tourism. I have no reason to believe that the charges quoted are out of line with charges made for the Christmas season in other hotels of like standing.