Introduction

The Irish Hotels Federation and Fáilte Ireland are hosting Climate Action: Driving Competitiveness – a key industry event for hotels and guesthouses, showcasing how sustainability can drive innovation, efficiency and competitiveness within our sector. Featuring an impressive line-up of experts and speakers, bookings are now open for this event which takes place in the Dublin Royal Convention Centre on 20th October 2025.

Introduction

Sustainability in tourism is no longer just an ethical imperative – it is a strategic business choice that drives profitability, enhances competitiveness and builds long-term resilience. In Ireland, where tourism contributes over €9 billion annually to the economy and supports over 270,000 jobs, integrating sustainable practices is essential for the hotel sector’s continued growth and success.

Market Trends & Changing Consumer Preferences

Consumer expectations are rapidly evolving toward more sustainable tourism. According to Booking.com’s 2024 Sustainable Travel Report, 75% of global travellers plan to travel more sustainably over the next 12 months. Similarly, the European Travel Commission notes that nearly half of European travellers now consider a destination’s environmental commitment when booking their trip. For Ireland, this presents a significant opportunity to attract higher-spending, longer-staying visitors who prioritise quality, authenticity and sustainability.

Operational Efficiency & Cost Reduction

For tourism businesses, sustainability is a path to smarter operations and stronger margins. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) reports that SMEs can cut their energy bills by up to 30% through relatively simple energy efficiency measures – with up to 10% savings achievable with minimal or no capital investment. Sustainability is not a cost burden; it is an opportunity for efficiency and cost reduction.

Fáilte Ireland Climate Action Programme

Fáilte Ireland launched its Climate Action Programme in February 2024, targeting tourism businesses with tailored, practical supports. Over 200 strategic tourism businesses have already engaged with the programme, which offers:

  • Fully funded expert advisory support for up to three years, including emissions assessments and tailored improvement plans;
  • Significant cost savings through targeted interventions, such as lowering energy, water, and waste bills;
  • Easy access to grants and financial supports;
  • Online tools, templates, and a dedicated carbon calculator for benchmarking and tracking progress.

Real-World Business Impact

Results from the Climate Action Programme clearly demonstrate the value of sustainable action. One hotel group operating four properties has identified potential annual energy savings of over €360,000 through low- or no-cost measures. Another hotel group, with three properties, has already achieved savings of €110,000 in energy costs and €17,500 annually in water charges simply by reducing shower flow rates. These savings have been driven by practical interventions such as lighting upgrades, heating schedule adjustments, and equipment optimisation.

Gain a Clear Competitive Advantage
For tourism businesses – particularly those in the hotel sector – sustainability is a clear competitive advantage. With strong consumer demand, operational cost savings, and robust support from SEAI and Fáilte Ireland, climate action offers a pathway to increased profitability, customer satisfaction, and long-term success.

 

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Terms and Conditions:

  • Please note that the Sustainability Conference is a closed event. Bookings are restricted to Hoteliers, IHF Associate Members, Affiliate Organisations and Invited Guests. We reserve the right to cancel bookings. 
  • Registration fees include conference attendance on 20 October, 2025
  • Payments are accepted by Visa/MasterCard or via Bank Transfer/EFT. When paying by Electronic Funds Transfer please email bank proof of payment together with delegate name/s to the registration office ihf2025@advantagegroup.ie once the payment has been made. From 1 October, 2025 all payments must be by credit or debit card
  • Your registration is not valid until you have successfully completed the entire process, paid in full and received a confirmation by email
  • Please note that the registration fees do not include travel expenses or hotel accommodation
  • Online registration closes at 12 noon (Irish time) on Friday 17 October, 2025 after which onsite registration applies

Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations must be received by email to ihf2025@advantagegroup.ie

  • Cancellations received within 3 days of registration are without penalty
  • For cancellations received between 3 days after registration and on or before 31 August,2025, an administration charge of €25 will apply.
  • 50% Cancellation fee charged from 1 September, 2025 to 1 October, 2025 inclusive
  • 100% Cancellation fee charged from 2 October, 2025 onwards

Substitution (participant name change) is possible by email but an administration charge of €25 applies.

Data Protection Policy:
By registering for the conference you are giving your consent for members of the IHF, the venue and Advantage Group (our Professional Conference Organisers) to contact you about any aspect of the conference by e-mail or by telephone. You are also consenting to receive email marketing communications about the conference and post conference associated industry material.

Video and Photography Consent:
Please be advised that filming and/or photography will be taking place at the conference. By registering for the conference you are giving your consent for the photographer, the IHF, the venue and Advantage Group to take the images and to use them throughout the world in all and any media, including, without limitation, in printed publications, presentations, promotional material or online, in their original format or edited.