Fáilte Ireland say they are optimistic about the recovery of Irish tourism, but have warned that significant challenges remain.
The group held a conference in the city yesterday to present their plans to help the sector recover post-pandemic.
Fáilte Ireland CEO Paul Kelly outlined their priorities for the year ahead which include increased training for all tourism staff, the promotion of domestic tourism and a new digital programme to help businesses become more searchable and bookable online.
A recent study by the tourism body found the tourism sector lost €6 billion in revenue during the pandemic when government supports are deducted from the overall loss.
Speaking to RedFM News, Director of Sectoral Development at Failte Ireland Jenny De Saulles says they are very positive about the future, but have flagged the use of hotel rooms to provide accommodation for refugees as having an impact on tourism businesses.
"Look at Donegal, they've had over 50% of their stock taken out of the market. And if you look at the likes of Kerry and Clare it's both 30%.
"We're fortunate in Cork and Cork City, the percentages are lower, but there are parts of the county like Youghal that are actually particularly suffering.
"And so while the accommodation providers aren't suffering because they're getting paid by the government for providing that service, the activity providers and the attractions, they've got no visitors coming because they've got nowhere to stay."
