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We must think twice before adding a tourist tax
24 September 2026
The debate around a potential tourist tax in Northern Ireland has moved up the agenda following the UK Government’s decision to give mayors and local leaders in England powers to introduce an overnight visitor levy. It is a debate we cannot afford to have in isolation
Hospitality Ulster Golf Day Brings the Industry Together for a Great Cause
24 September 2026
Hospitality Ulster had a fantastic day at our annual Golf Day at Roe Valley Resort Golf Course, bringing together members, industry colleagues, sponsors and friends of the hospitality sector for a day of friendly competition, networking and fundraising — all in support of a very important cause, The Aisling Centre.
Turn your Electricity Bill into an Income-Generating Asset
23 September 2026
Kitchens that never stop, laundries running round the clock, pools kept warm and rooms kept comfortable: hospitality runs on electricity. Most businesses see that demand purely as a cost. iPower sees an opportunity: turn it into a source of income, resilience, and a way to play your much needed part in the island's renewable energy future.
A Night-Time Economy Needs Taxis
23 September 2026
For Northern Ireland’s hospitality industry, the availability of taxis is becoming more than an inconvenience. It is increasingly an issue for the viability of the night-time economy, particularly outside Belfast, where public transport options are more limited and the availability of taxis can fall sharply in the evening
Hospitality Ulster and Mills Selig Launch Exclusive Legal Clinics for Hospitality Sector
16 September 2026
Running a hospitality business brings constant operational demands, but the legal issues underpinning those operations can be equally significant. From managing employees and safeguarding licensed premises to negotiating supplier contracts and planning for succession, decisions made today can directly affect a business’s resilience, profitability and future.
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.