Economic Recovery Plan welcomed by hospitality industry
Northern Ireland’s economic recovery from the devastation of Covid-19 will be driven by innovation, investment and a skilled workforce, the Economy Minister has pledged.
Speaking as speaking as she launched the Economic Recovery Action Plan, Diane Dodds said: “As we move slowly back to normality, we must put all our efforts into restarting, repairing and rebuilding our economy. We must encourage businesses to innovate and lead and we must support workers to prepare for new opportunities.”
The report identifies supporting a highly-skilled workforce, stimulating research and development, building a greener economy and promoting investment, trade and exports as the drivers to recovery.
It also identifies a number of actions the Department plans to take to stimulate growth, including
- the development of a flexible skills fund;
- widening access to apprenticeships by removing the age cap;
- developing proposals to implement a Northern Ireland artificial intelligence centre of excellence;
- delivering the High Street Stimulus Scheme;
- delivering a Tourism Voucher Scheme to stimulate demand;
- accelerating delivery of City and Growth Deals; and
- developing a green innovation challenge fund.
The minister added: “Going forward our message must be clear – Northern Ireland is once again open for business, open for investment and open for visitors.”
The Economic Recovery Action Plan was welcomed by leaders from the business, tourism and hospitality, and skills sectors, among them Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF) CEO Janice Gault.
‘Ambitious and comprehensive’
She said: “We are pleased to see that tourism has been recognised as a key driver for the local economy.
“While these are difficult times, it is important that we look to the future. The Economy Minister, Diane Dodds MLA, has been a firm supporter of tourism and has laid out an ambitious and comprehensive range of measures within the action plan with a cost of £290m.
“The NIHF is supportive of the process which is underpinned by a collaborative and region wide approach. Investment, Trade and Exports is one of the key themes of the plan.
“Hotels really contribute to this action having invested over £650m over the last five years. However, what many do not realise is that the bulk of tourism spend is an export as it brings in monies from overseas. Prior to the onset of the COV1D-19 pandemic tourism contributed £1bn to the Northern Ireland economy with £700m falling into the export category.”
“The plan outlines a number of key initiatives for tourism including stimulation of the home markets, the holiday at home voucher, as well as supporting the product and experience development.
“One of the key plans is the creation of a sustainable and Regenerative Tourism Strategy which will help the industry return to trading and assist with business restoration.”
John McGrillen, CEO of Tourism NI, added: “I welcome the publication of this action plan as we continue to offer support towards the recovery of our tourism industry in partnership with the Department for the Economy.
“Many businesses have been severely impacted by the pandemic, but we have also witnessed huge resilience and a determination to adapt and survive.
‘Industry-wide training’
“The recovery plan includes the development of a sustainable, regenerative Tourism Strategy focusing on economic growth, social wellbeing and the protection of the environment.
“The plan will also allow us to develop and deliver industry-wide training to the tourism sector, as well as campaigns and additional funding to provide the skills and capabilities to improve and grow product offerings and business models.”
To find out more visit https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/news/minister-launches-economic-recovery-action-plan
