Crowe/Horwath HTL Ireland recently released the 26th Annual Hotel Industry Survey – a survey of the Pandemic Era, 2020 and 2021. Across 2020 and 2021, the hotel sector in Ireland recorded a massive loss in revenue due to the Government restrictions imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19, including periods of business closure, travel restrictions and social distancing as well as the reduction in worldwide travel. Revenue fell by 65% in 2020 and 49% in 2021 against 2019 levels. The extremely low occupancy levels of 29.6% in 2020 and 39.5% in 2021, compared to 73.8% in 2019, further confirm the unprecedented impact that the pandemic had on business levels in comparison to a normal year of trading. The cumulative impact of supports from the Government was to convert the sector from loss-making to profitable at EBITDAR level. These supports included a reduction in VAT to 9%, payroll support schemes (TWSS and EWSS), the COVID Response Support Scheme (CRSS) and other grants and cost waivers. However, the levels of EBITDAR profits for 2020 and 2021 were still down 82% and 42% respectively on 2019 levels.compared to 2019, reflecting the unprecedented challenges faced by the industry.