Vol. 433 No. 2
29 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade his views on the findings of a recent survey carried out by the Irish Hotel Federation, which predicts that 1993 staff members will be lower than 1992 in Irish hotels; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The IHF survey referred to by the Deputy reveals that, in general, hoteliers are optimistic about growth in the sector during 1993 with 67 per cent of respondents forecasting that employment will either be maintained, or increased, on 1992 levels. Only 33 per cent of those surveyed anticipate a reduction in employment.
The latest estimates of tourist numbers for 1993 available from the CSO relate to the period January to March and show an 8 per cent increase over the same period last year. However, the first quarter normally accounts for less than 14 per cent of annual overseas tourism, and any trend indications at this stage should obviously be treated with caution. A comprehensive research study published by CERT last April which provides a detailed analysis of employment in the major sectors of the industry, forecast growth in tourism employment of 3 per cent for 1993.
