Tourism: calls for all-island approach to international travel with similar covid-19 rules
Last updated 19th Aug 2021
Differences in international travel rules between Northern Ireland and the Republic are depriving our crisis-hit industry of business worth tens of millions of pounds.
Before the covid pandemic struck, Northern Ireland was enjoying an international tourism boom
Since then, though, this part of the sector has been hit the hardest.
NI Hotels Federation CEO, Janice Gault said it has been a huge loss to the indusry.
"In 2019 international tourism was worth about £100m to the NI economy - this is from tour business - and it is important this type of activity returns in the near future," she said.
As a result, there have been calls in Northern Ireland and the Republic for an all-island approach to the issue.
"Currently we are finding that Northern Ireland has been dropped off itineraries for tourists particularly those from north America," Janice added.
"The position here is different in terms of travel into the south where those who come in have to do two additional PCR tests - this is proving to be a significant barrier."
Janice said with Northern Ireland and the Republic being marketed internationally as one location, it made sense to have realignment between north and south.
Meanwhile, the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation (ITIC) is warning that the different restrictions north and south of the border are causing confusion for prospective tourists and operators.
It is calling for the rules in the south to be eased to match those in the north.
This afternoon, senior ministers will meet to discuss a roadmap for ending COVID restrictions in Ireland.
It is the first meeting of the Cabinet sub-committee on COVID in weeks, with hopes that a plan for further easing of restrictions can be announced later this month.
ITIC Chief Executive Eoghan O’Mara Walsh said a single set of restrictions for the entire island would give tourism a real shot in the arm.
“One of the big advantages we have in Ireland is the fact that we have promoted the island of Ireland as one single destination to overseas audiences,” he said.
“I think it is important that is maintained. To maintain that properly and cohesively we really should have one regime of restrictions north and south so that it is much easier for the consumer and the trade to understand.”