HU Welcomes Minister Dodds Tourism Recovery Steering Group

23 April 2020

HU Welcomes Minister Dodds Tourism Recovery Steering Group

Hospitality Ulster Chief Executive Colin Neill has today welcomed the creation of a Tourism Recovery Steering group by the Economy Minister Diane Dodds.

The group is set to focus on planning and preparations for the recovery of tourism in Northern Ireland once the impact of the COVID 19 / Coronavirus pandemic begins to recede.

Colin Neill said:

“Since the beginning of the Coronvirus pandemic I have been vocal about the hospitality and tourism industry in Northern Ireland being the first hit, the worst hit, and probably the last to recover- and nothing has changed.

“That is why today’s announcement from Minister Dodds is welcome news.

“Make no mistake, the health of the nation remains paramount as the situation continues to develop- but planning for the future of our industry and wider economic recovery is also critical to moving past this crisis together.

“With an annual turnover of £1.9bn and sustaining c 65,000 jobs, the NI hospitality industry is a significant economic sector in its own right. It is also the backbone of the growing tourism economy, accounting for c60% of tourism spend (c£600m) and providing three out of four tourism jobs.

“The Minister has quite rightly pointed out the critical role our businesses will play when the time is right, and I look forward to the opportunity to work with the group to that end.”