Posted: June 1st 2006

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF), representing 1,000 hotels and guesthouses in Ireland, has warmly welcomed the appointment today by the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism of Richard Bourke as a new member of the Fáilte Ireland Authority, and the reappointment of IHF member Mr Patrick O’Donoghue to the Authority.

The IHF’s President Annette Devine stated Richard Bourke’s appointment is a strong acknowledgement of his commitment to Ireland’s tourism industry, and his ability to assist find solutions to some of the challenges facing the sector in an increasingly competitive global tourism market.

Commenting on the appointments, Ms Devine said, “On behalf of the IHF, I would like to congratulate Dick on his new role and wish him every success. I am confident that the drive and determination that Dick has demonstrated throughout his long career in the hotel industry will be a tremendous asset to the Fáilte Ireland Authority. As a recent President of the IHF Dick’s achievements were many, and I have no doubt that he will prove a dynamic addition to the Authority.

I would also like to congratulate of our member Patrick O’Donoghue’s reappointment by the Minister for another five year term. This demonstrates the valuable contribution he has made to date and again I wish him well for the next five years. With such a strong Authority now in place, I look forward to our industry benefiting from a renewed marketing effort in the regions and an increase in the vital domestic tourism market, the very lifeblood of Irish tourism,” Annette Devine concluded.