COVID-19: NI hotels want date to re-open from lockdown
Hotel owners here are urging the Executive to consider a timetable this week for their reopening
And they have met with Economy Minister Diane Dodds to agree a pathway out of lockdown
Hotel Federation chief Janice Gault says they want to be back in business again by next month
"This week is a poignant one as we look across the water as we see many businesses in tourism and hospitality re-opening with others having a date to plan towards," she said.
"The understanding is that the pathways will be reviewed this Thursday and we are hopeful that a date will be forthcoming at that time.
"Hotels are very keen to re-open in a viable and sustainable manner and hope that this date will be no longer than May 17th."
The Executive meets on Thursday and it is believed Ministers will give indicative times for more restrictions to be eased
Discussing the meeting, Economy Minister Diane Dodds MLA said:
“I welcome the opportunity to meet with the NIHF. The last twelve months have been extremely challenging for the hotel sector, and the wider tourism and hospitality industry. I have been very impressed with the resilience and fortitude of the industry throughout the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. The safe and sustainable reopening of our hotels, restaurants and bars is paramount. I firmly believe it is time to give businesses the clarity and certainty they need to help them to plan, to order in stock and bring staff back off furlough.
“We must put all our efforts into restarting and rebuilding our economy. In March I launched my Economic Recovery Action Plan setting out a strategy to build a more competitive, inclusive and greener economy. This includes the High Street Stimulus Scheme and Tourism Voucher Scheme that will boost demand in our struggling towns, city centres and tourism sector.”