Hoteliers highlight plight on social media amid concerns 18,600 jobs could be lost in Cork 

CORK hoteliers have this evening tweeted concerns about the future of the industry ahead of Tuesday's budget.

The move follows a letter written to Cork TDs on Friday by the chairman of the Cork branch of the Irish Hotels Federation, Fergal Harte.

Mr Harte this evening tweeted that tourism VAT must be reduced in Tuesday's budget. 

He and other hoteliers across the city and county also tweeted an infographic from the IHF, highlighting that 18,600 tourism and hospitality jobs are at risk in Cork.

Tourism VAT must be reduced in upcoming Budget #TourismJobsCount #Budget2021 @IHFcomms @simoncoveney @Donnchadhol @MichealMartinTD @mmcgrathtd https://t.co/1V0XsNUYpj

— Fergal Harte (@fergal_harte) October 11, 2020

The IHF is seeking a VAT rate of 9% for the sector, as well as increased employment supports, a waiver for local authority rates, and liquidity measures to aid cash flow.

Some amazing faces behind #teamcelticross 18,600 tourism & hospitality jobs at risk across Cork. I love our amazing team & the fact we support our local @CarberyRangers #Budget2021 #TourismJobsCount - @Paschald @mmcgrathtd @MichealMartinTD rural hotels vital to local economies! pic.twitter.com/cERlhcAb6G

— Neil Grant (@Grantie79) October 11, 2020

In his letter sent on Friday, Mr Harte said that it is now make or break time for Irish tourism with businesses facing “an incredibly bleak seven months ahead”.

Mr Harte has called for an increase in the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) to previous levels of €350/€410 per week for businesses, an extension of the moratorium on bank term loans from six months to 12 months, and an extension on the local authority rates waiver period.

The IHF Cork chair wrote: “Already operating under severely challenging conditions, hotels and guesthouses have seen revenues wiped out as a result of Level 3 restrictions, which stop guests from travelling outside their county."