An open letter has been sent by 20 local hotels and guesthouses to TD's in the Longford-Westmeath constituency.
The document calls on Government to support tourism recovery and retain the 9% VAT rate for the hospitality sector.
The letter written by local members of the Irish Hotel's Federation highlights growing concerns over the economic challenges facing the sector in the next 12 months.
It's understood overall occupancy rates this year are significantly down compared with 2019 levels and overseas tourism is expected to fall by 25% on pre-pandemic levels.
The hoteliers believe they are at a crucial juncture as they grapple high inflation and skyrocketing business costs with electricity bills increasing upwards of 300% on 2019 figures.
In concluding the letter on behalf of local hoteliers the midlands IHF chair Barry Kennedy says the proposed 50% increase in tourism VAT to 13.5% in February makes no sense during a cost-of-living crisis.
He says it would only add to inflation and undermine Irish tourism's competitiveness internationally.
Barry Kennedy is urging local TDs to support their call to retain the 9% rate in an effort to bed down the recovery and safeguard tourism businesses and livelihoods.
