President’s Report – August 2026

Dear Members,

Welcome to your August newsletter.

I hope you are all enjoying a successful summer season. While the fine weather has undoubtedly benefited many businesses, I know that others may not have experienced the July they had hoped for. That said, the restoration of the 9% VAT rate has provided a significant boost to hospitality businesses across the country, helping to ease some of the cost pressures our sector continues to face.

Just last week, Fáilte Ireland launched its Corporate Strategy 2026-2029, marking an important milestone for Ireland’s tourism industry. I, along with the Restaurants Association of Ireland, was particularly encouraged to see a renewed focus on culinary tourism, something we have long championed. The strategy commits to supporting tourism businesses to grow, strengthening destinations across the country and developing a dedicated Culinary Tourism Strategy. This presents a real opportunity to showcase Ireland’s exceptional food and drink offering, support hospitality businesses and further establish Ireland as a world-class culinary destination.

It was also encouraging to see the inaugural meeting of the Tourism Policy Oversight Group chaired by Minister Peter Burke take place last month, with the Restaurants Association of Ireland represented as a core member. This gives us an important seat at the table as Ireland’s new Tourism Strategy is implemented, allowing us to help shape the development of the Culinary Tourism Strategy and ensure that restaurants, cafés, gastropubs and food-led hospitality businesses play a central role in the future of Irish tourism.

I hope the remainder of the summer season is both busy and profitable for you all. As always, the Restaurants Association of Ireland team is here to support you. If we can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Yours sincerely,

Yours sincerely,
Seán Collender
President