Jim Higgins
Ceist:24 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the plans and proposed schemes, if any, he has for the development of the small hotel sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Small Hotel Sector Development.
Jim Higgins
Ceist:35 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade his views on whether the small hotel sector has an important role to play in the development of the tourist industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 24 and 35 together.
The majority of hotels in Ireland are in the small hotel category, i.e. with 30 rooms or less. They form the backbone of the accommodation sector and are vital to continued tourism growth.
Several of the measures included in the recent budget will impact directly and positively on the small hotel sector. These include in particular: the availability of assistance under the £100 Enterprise Fund, for tourism projects; and the improved capital allowances for hotels.
Other budgetary measures, such as the changes in Capital Acquisition Tax, and lower PRSI rates, while not directed specifically at the tourism or small hotel sectors, will nonetheless be of significant benefit to them.
Furthermore, the special marketing measures that I recently initiated will, by improving tourism performance generally, also impact positively on the accommodation sector.
Finally, I am proposing that assistance under the next Operational Programme for Tourism for the development of leisure facilities linked to tourist accommodation, should be extended from large hotels to other approved forms of accommodation including small hotels. The precise criteria which will apply to such leisure facilities under the next programme have yet to be determined and will of course be subject to agreement with the EU Commission.