Visitor numbers to tourist hotspots in Co Kerry could plummet by close to 80% due to the coronavirus pandemic, it has been warned.
The Kerry Tourism Industry Federation claimed 11,300 jobs could be lost, as some hotels, pubs and restaurants are considering staying closed until 2021, the Irish Independent reports.
KTIF chief Pat O'Leary said: “Tourism is our lifeblood. The tourism sector is critical to the economy and viability of life in Kerry, it impacts on every household.
"It was the first industry to feel the economic devastation of the Covid-19 pandemic and it may well be the last to recover."
The group is calling for Government support to help the tourism sector survive until tourist numbers return to normal.
Mr O'Leary added: “Our members are now faced with the difficult decision of whether or not to open for what will be left of the 2020 season.
"Many may never reopen unless the government takes a proactive stance. We need help to navigate our way through this crisis.
"We also want a commitment to invest in the development of the tourism product for the new Post-Covid world and for a Kerry representative at the Cabinet table."
