Tourism tax rejected by Mayo hotelier

ANY proposal to introduce a tourism tax will be given the thumbs down in west Mayo.

The position of the local industry sector and elected representatives was made clear at a municipal district meeting where councillors received a presentation from the Destination Westport group.

Hotelier Joe Corcoran said the sector has seen a tsunami of cost increases, including rates, labour and food, and he urged elected representatives not to support any proposed tourism bedroom tax if it ever comes on the agenda.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Brendan Mulroy agreed, pointing out what they pay in rates and promotion, and for government to tax them again because of their success would be 'highly wrong'.

Costs facing businesses is a big problem, said Councillor Paul McNamara, and the amount of money they have to pay before opening their doors is ridiculous. If there was a bedroom tax, it would be 'destination end' not just for Westport but for every area, he predicted.

Established 25 years ago, Destination Westport is a voluntary tourism promotion campaign that reaches out across west and northwest Mayo. It is led by Westport's nine hotels and other local tourism interests.

The hotels, councillors were told, pay over €1 million in rates annually to Mayo County Council. Separately, the nine hotel owners also contribute €65 per room into the Destination Westport pot - there's 960 hotel rooms in the town. The sector employs 1,400 locally, with over half a million visitors being welcomed every year.

Suzanne O'Brien, in a presentation, explained how hotels have invested €2.65 million this year in initiatives such as solar and refurbishments (not including The Grace).

Destination Westport's digital marketing is growing, with 8.3 million social views across its platforms. Events like the visit by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney resulted in a big bounce.

The most read pages on their website are the guide to climbing Croagh Patrick, five ways to explore Clew Bay, and road tripping across Mayo.

With no tourist office in Westport, they have placed a digital screen in the town hall for visitors where members can share information about what's on or where the eat, etc.

Developments at Westport Estate will give visitors a reason to stay longer and explore the whole Clew Bay area, she added, and Wild Nephin National Park is also popping up more.

Looking ahead, they wanted to generate more video content to showcase the area nationally and internationally, more radio promotion, as well as having a digital promotion at Ireland West Airport and possibly a banner on Bridge Street to promote local events.

In response to their questions, councillors were told funding of €20,000 to €30,000 from central council would support their work, as there is a shortfall every year. Back in the town council days, funding was ringfenced, where now they rely on GMA contributions from individual councillors.

That will be brought back to the chief executive, with the point made that they are not just marketing Westport but the county.

Councillors were pleased that the work expands beyond Westport and promotes the wider county, with Councillor Mulroy hailing the business community for their great vision.

Tourism is one of the best pieces of infrastructure in Mayo, said Councillor McNamara, and more money needs to be put into all destinations.

The potential for developing a tourism trail leading out to Louisburgh, the islands and Aashleagh Falls was highlighted by Councillor Chris Maxwell.

Councillor Peter Flynn asked the Destination Westport representatives for their views on the Clew Bay Greenway. Looking to the future, was it part of their plans, viewed as a significant piece of infrastructure, he wondered.

Ms. O'Brien said the greenway would be a key piece of infrastructure to market Westport domestically and internationally, as long as there was goodwill from all the landowners.

Councillor Mulroy said it was important to point out that previously Destination Westport also supported the roadside greenway proposal.

* Funded under the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme