The Irish Hotels Federation has published its tourism policy document for the General Election, listing job creation as one of its main priorities.

The four-point plan seeks to ensure tourism remains a major engine for economic growth and employment over the next five years.

The plan targets the creation of 40,000 new jobs during the life of the next Government.

Outlining the plan Irish Hotels Federation president Stephen McNally has said “continued growth cannot be taken for granted.”

“We’re at the early stage of recovery following the downturn and a lot more needs to be done before our industry reaches its full potential for growth and job creation.

“Challenges include the high cost of doing business in Ireland, particularly around Government controlled costs such as local authority rates, water and energy levies. Significant additional investment is also required to support tourism marketing and product development – areas where funding has been significantly reduced since 2008.”

“We’re calling on the main political parties to commit to a range of pro-tourism policies that bolster Ireland as a leading destination for overseas visitors and holidaymakers. With the right support, this would generate up to 40,000 additional new jobs in tourism businesses across the country by 2021.”

You can read the plan in full here.