Madam, - Who is Alan Hill kidding when he talks about the need for change in the B&B sector? ('B&B Sector Hungry for Change, Recovery', March 25th). It's all about cost, cost, cost! It's cheaper to fly overseas than stay in an Irish B&B. It's more interesting to see other nations' architecture than face yet another tired old bungalow pimpling the face of the lovely Irish countryside. It's more comfortable in a foreign hotel than in a poorly heated room with small double-bed, low-pressure shower and nasty instant coffee. It's nicer to sit at a cafe in the sun, than find that breakfast is over by 9am because that suits the owner, not my modern, late-night lifestyle.
Alan Hill's article reads like a speech at an overseas tourist conference.
If the Irish B&B sector really wants to keep being successful, it has to focus on us, its home market, first and foremost.
There's no point wittering on about "special welcomes". These days we want low prices and excellent quality. Something so many other countries easily get right. - Yours, etc,
JAMES HYDE, Main St, Lismore, Co Waterford.