The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) today warned that the perception of Ireland was at stake as it called for a Yes vote in the Lisbon Treaty referendum.
Noting that some 60,000 people are employed by hotels, the IHF called on its 1,000 members to urge their employees to vote for the Treaty “in recognition of the importance of an effective and efficient Europe to the hospitality sector, and to ensure Ireland remains fully engaged with the EU”.
Praising the role of the EU, IHF president Matthew Ryan said: "No industry better represents what EU membership has done for Ireland than the hotels sector, which is staffed largely by Irish and EU citizens.
“It is important that Ireland's positive support of the development of the EU continues. Anything other than a decisive Yes in the referendum would undermine the international perception of Ireland as a desirable place to visit and in which to do business."
Mr Ryan added that a Yes result will confirm Irish people’s reputation as having an “open, friendly and welcoming attitude” in the eyes of the other 26 member states.
He noted that in the past 10 years, Ireland has seen revenue from visiting continental European tourists almost treble to €1.6 billion. The IHF said increased tourism revenues of €6.5 billion in 2007 mean the sector now constitutes 4 per cent of the State’s GNP.
The IHF said it also believed “the strengthened and reformed institutions" arising from the Treaty will allow the EU to achieve greater prosperity and face the challenges of development and enlargement.
