Hotels Federation chief calls for ‘viable’ pathway out of lockdown
The chief executive of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation has said the framework for reopening the industry here must be “viable and sustainable”.
Speaking ahead of a major tourism summit, and after Boris Johnson spelled out England’s planned route out of lockdown, Janice Gault said: “The Prime Minister’s outline is a positive development.
“The understanding is that the NI Executive will produce a paper next week on the plan for Northern Ireland and we look forward to seeing the details on this.”
“The hotel sector is keen to reopen and sees the unlocking to the tourism economy as an important element of a return to more normal times. For the industry, it is not just a question of reopening, it is ensuring that the framework is viable and the process is sustainable.
‘Pathway to normality’
“Many of the details of unlocking are devolved matters but it is good to see the Prime Minister look at international travel, the return of larger gatherings and key tests which will rely on data and guide us through a pathway back to normality.”
“The current lockdown really needs to be the last one and any mitigations that can be put in place to ensure that we open and remain open are welcomed by the industry.
“Consumer confidence needs to be restored and a strong health message needs to be part of this. Hotels are looking forward to guests checking in and hope that a date and framework can be agreed in the coming weeks.”
With a path out of lockdown now in sight, the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation is bringing local tourism providers together for The Tourism Summit – The Road to Recovery on Tuesday March 9.
The Federation’s President Stephen Meldrum, above, explained: “The Tourism Summit – The Road to Recovery is open to all businesses operating within the tourism sector and presents a varied programme which will look at the effects of the pandemic, discuss measures that may be required to support the industry and explore the potential that reopening brings.
“For Northern Ireland there are a number of significant milestones in the coming weeks, including the publication of the NI Executive’s pathway document and the budget. We hope these will be positive for the industry and provide support as it seeks to transition out of lockdown.
‘A global picture’
“During the event, there will be political and economic insight from experts and updates from the tourism agencies. The varied panel of speakers will also provide an overview of the global picture, consider factors that are likely to influence consumer psyche, and examine how businesses are tailoring their brand offering.”
The BBC’s Mark Simpson will chair the event and Minister for the Economy, Diane Dodds, with share her thoughts on reinvigorating the industry.
Other guest speakers include, Gareth Hetherington, Director of the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre, Neil Aulton, Head of Strategy and Insights at Tourism Ireland, Justin Reid, Director of Destination Marketing at TripAdvisor and leading travel journalist Simon Calder.
The Tourism Summit is supported by Tourism Northern Ireland, Tourism Ireland, Invest Northern Ireland, Coca-Cola, Calor, Henderson Foodservice, Ards & North Down Borough Council, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Belfast City Council, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Mid Ulster District Council and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. Local trade publications, Hospitality Review and Licensed Catering News, have also lent their support.
This event is open to all businesses. To register for The Tourism Summit – The Road to Recovery event on 9th March 2021, log on to www.tourismsummit.co.uk.
