Hoteliers in Kilkenny are concerned about recent revelations indicating that Waterford Crystal has gone into receivership.
The news has prompted members of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF ) in Kilkenny to call for decisive Government intervention to ensure that the Waterford Crystal brand is safeguarded and the visitor centre continues to operate as a major tourist attraction in the south-east.
The Federation stated that it is essential that Ireland protects brands such as Waterford Crystal which have an important association with our national identity.
Damian Lynch, chairman, IHF South East Branch, said that given the tourism benefits accrued from Waterford Crystal’s international status, the country must leave no stone unturned to ensure this valuable asset is preserved for Ireland.
“Any solution must see the continuation of a crystal manufacturing operation in Waterford along with the visitor centre. The loss of such an iconic Irish brand would have a hugely negative impact on hoteliers in Kilkenny and the south-east, and every effort must be made to ensure its survival.”
As an internationally renowned quality product, Waterford Crystal, together with brands such as Guinness, Kerrygold and Jameson and locations such as Killarney, Blarney and Galway, plays a hugely important role in communicating the quality of experiences Ireland has to offer holiday makers.
“The implications for tourism can not be overstated. As one of Ireland’s key visitor attractions, the Waterford Crystal visitor centre welcomes over 300,000 visitors each year, over half of whom come from the US. It is a major driver of tourism in the south-east region and provides holiday makers with a compelling reason to visit the area.
“It is vital that the Government, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland work closely with Waterford Crystal to ensure that Ireland continues to benefit from such a quality Irish brand,: he concluded.
