Hoteliers in Cork say the Government must extend the 9% VAT rate beyond February, if the tourism sector ever is to recover.
Irish Tourism Industry Confederation figures show 660,000 international visitors came to Ireland during November - down 4% when compared to the same month in 2019.
The ITIC says it is significantly concerned that "soaring cost inflation, the energy crisis and the impact of Government contracts" are putting the sector in jeopardy.
Speaking to RedFM News, the chairman of the Cork branch of the Irish Hotels Federation, Joe Kennedy says weekends in Cork should be busy this Christmas but occupancy rates for the first quarter of 2023 are "well behind".
