Web Reservations International (WRI), the online accommodation reservation firm owned by U2’s manager, Paul McGuinness, saw profits surge 30pc last year.Its latest accounts show that the firm recorded pre-tax profits of E16.6 million up from E12.8m in 2005.

WRI owns a number of online accommodation brands including Hostels.com, Hostelworld.com, Boo.com, Trav.com and Worldres.com. The company, which is based in Dublin, also provides accommodation through third parties, including Ryanair.

Turnover for the year rose from to E27.2m from E21.7m, according to accounts just filed at the Companies Registration Office.

The company added 10 staff during the year, bringing the total to 45. The increase pushed up wages, which include directors’ salaries, to E2.3m from E1.6m.

(BizWorld)

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