From Resilience to Growth: Building a Stronger Future for Northern Ireland Hospitality
15 September 2026
The recent success of the Fleadh in Belfast, together with The Open at Royal Portrush last year, demonstrates the considerable economic value of Northern Ireland’s hospitality and tourism industry. Major events attract visitors, spending and international exposure, with benefits extending beyond hotels, bars and restaurants to local suppliers, employment and communities. However, strong visitor numbers do not automatically translate into sustainable profitability. For hospitality businesses, the operating environment remains exceptionally challenging. A higher rate of VAT than competitors in the Republic of Ireland and several European markets, alongside business rates, rising wages and increased food and energy costs, continues to compress margins and constrain investment. The key question is therefore not simply how Northern Ireland attracts more visitors, but how the sector converts demand into profitable, sustainable growth.
UKHospitality Chief Executive Visits Northern Ireland To Hear Directly From Sector And Policymakers
09 September 2026
UKHospitality Chief Executive Allen Simpson visited Northern Ireland this week for a series of meetings with hospitality leaders, political representatives, senior civil servants, and financial institutions. The two-day visit, which took place on Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 September, was organised by Hospitality Ulster and provided an opportunity for Simpson to hear directly from businesses about the opportunities and challenges facing Northern Ireland’s hospitality and tourism sector, while strengthening links between the two organisations.
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VAT Reduction And Rates Reform Necessary To Grow Hospitality Sector ... Latest Survey Says
28 August 2026
A new survey of hospitality operators across Northern Ireland conducted by CGA by NIQ has found that 92% believe that a VAT reduction for hospitality and 69% believe the lowering of business rates bills are necessary steps for their businesses to grow. A further 86% of those surveyed cited VAT costs as their key concern for the next 12 months and 71% cited business rates. Undertaken by industry bodies, Hospitality Ulster, UKHospitality, The British Institute of Innkeeping, and the British Beer & Pub Association, the survey was undertaken in Q2 2026 and indicates the feeling of the industry since the launch of the #VATsTheProblem campaign in July.
Single-Sex Spaces Guidance: What Does It Mean for Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses?
07 August 2026
The new Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) Code of Practice came into force on 5 August 2026 following the UK Supreme Court judgment in For Women Scotland Ltd v Scottish Ministers. The Supreme Court ruled that, for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010, references to "sex" mean biological sex. There is no immediate change for hospitality businesses in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland has its own separate equality laws, meaning the new code does not automatically apply here. No updated guidance is expected in Northern Ireland during 2026, as a case is scheduled to be heard in December 2026 to consider how the Supreme Court's decision applies to Northern Ireland law.
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Add Your Name: Help Us Call For A Fairer VAT Rate For Hospitality
03 August 2026
We are inviting businesses from every part of the sector to add their name to an open letter calling on the Government to introduce a 10% rate of VAT for hospitality, helping to protect jobs, safeguard businesses and support the high streets and communities that rely on our sector.
English Rates Cut Brings No Additional Money for NI
23 July 2026
Today's announcement by the Prime Minister of a business rates cut for pubs, clubs and music venues in England will not generate any consequential funding for Northern Ireland and will provide no direct benefit to hospitality businesses here.