LISTEN: Give us a date when we can reopen, NI hoteliers urge

By Michael McHugh, PA and Q Radio News.

Allowing hotels to take advance bookings without disclosing when they can actually open is adding to confusion, owners in Northern Ireland said.

Janice Gault, chief executive of Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF), said she was disappointed by the Executive's announcement on Thursday that reservations can be accepted at businesses' own risk.

Ministers have not set a date when hotels can reopen.

The speed at which lockdown is eased depends on the rate of spread of coronavirus.

Stormont wants to ensure it remains below one new person infected for every patient, to prevent the NHS from becoming overwhelmed with new cases.

Ms Gault said: "Advising hotels that they can take advance bookings without a date only adds to the confusion around when hotels can actually open.

"As an industry, we are keen to open in a safe and secure manner, giving staff and customers reassurance."

Janice Gault

The NIHF represents luxury lodgings including the Grand Central and Merchant in Belfast, Galgorm resort in Ballymena in Co Antrim and Bishop's Gate in Londonderry.

Ms Gault added: "Taking a hotel booking on an 'on spec' basis without any agreed pathway is a far-from-ideal situation.

"It makes it very difficult to plan, budget and set guidelines for the sector."

She said she understood further information will be given next month, after ministers have reviewed the entire accommodation sector.

Hotels are frustrated, with many now aligning themselves with dates already agreed for opening in the south of Ireland, and others using an early July date as indicated by the Prime Minister.

"It is important to note that hotels respect that all dates are subject to change if there is any move in the 'R' rate or any change to the control of the pandemic."

The reopening of pubs is expected to be among later measures taken, as Northern Ireland emerges from restrictions which have stifled the hospitality industry since March.

The Government's furlough scheme is designed to safeguard many jobs and has been extended until October.

Prominent Northern Irish hotelier Bill Wolsey has urged ministers to have more courage to spell out when businesses can exit lockdown.

He said the enormous cost to the country could see people having to work longer for their old age pensions, and warned livelihoods depended on clear guidance around reopening dates.

Also reacting to the announcement, Paul Clancy, Chair of the Derry/Londonderry Chamber of Commerce said, "The news that hotels can now take advance bookings, but without a date of when they can reopen to guests, is contradictory.

"This will frustrate many hoteliers and lead to confusion within the wider hospitality sector. More clarity is needed over whether this will happen as soon as the end of July – as is planned in the Republic of Ireland – or whether it will be at a later date.”