PRESIDENT'S REPORT As my first year as IHI President draws to a close, the Annual General Meeting offers an opportunity to reflect on the past year and look forward to a future where we see our industry emerging from two years of apprehension and uncertainty. In years to come, history students will wonder where to even begin when asked at exam time to summarise what happened across the world between 2020 and 2022. We continue to live in extraordinary times and every aspect of life and business is being tested daily. As business stress levels go, 2021 was one of the toughest to endure with our own industry closed until mid-year. The pandemic is estimated to have cost Irish tourism and hospitality businesses as much as €12.2 billion. Along with that, research by Failte Ireland has identified a total of 40,000 vacancies within the sector, 24% of which are roles at senior levels. However, as our industry emerges from the pandemic, we have an opportunity to build a sustainable and robust tourism product that focuses on the environment and its people.
Membership & Financial Overview 2021 was a difficult financial year for all businesses and it was no different for the IHI. Recognising the financial impact Covid-19 had across the sector, in January 2021, the IHI Board took the decision to support our members with complimentary IHI Membership for 2021, pledging our commitment to you as a valued member. As a membership organisation solely funded by membership subscriptions and sponsorships generated annually by our key events, your continued membership demonstrates not only your commitment to your professional development but also as recognition as Hospitality & Tourism professional. At a time when recognition is crucially important and helps to support retention within our teams, I ask that you give strong consideration to supporting your team members with IHI membership. The importance of networking and developing relationships for our younger managers cannot be measured and the benefits of IHI Membership on that journey is hugely important. It is also important that I acknowledge the commitment of our Patrons. Through their financial support, we have been able to undertake and deliver IHI work programmes on behalf of the industry. I would like to personally thank The Guinness Store House, Aramark Northern Europe, Unilever Food Solutions, The Restaurants Association of Ireland, Broadline Recruitment Group, Vamoos, Great Place to Work, TU Dublin, Tierney’s, Irish Times and NetAffinity. I would also like to thank our Business Partners for their commitment and engagement throughout. 4
