Task Group leading hospitality and tourism recovery initiative

Tourism and hospitality leaders have been commended for their role in developing a new initiative aimed at driving the industry’s recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 crisis.

Led by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, the ‘MEA Hospitality and Tourism Recovery Task Group’ – which includes Tourism Northern Ireland, Tourism Ireland, the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation and a number of key local businesses – are working collaboratively to deliver a recovery plan to restore and sustain growth in the industry.

Economy Minister Diane Dodds today announced plans to allow hotels and other tourist accommodation to re-open from 20 July.

The Task Group is already working to establish a range of practical support interventions focused on delivering solutions to the immediate needs of local businesses in the Borough. 

This will be underpinned by a bespoke, phased marketing and communications plan that will target specific market segments such as ‘staycations’, day-trippers and visitors from GB and ROI, aligned to evolving government guidance.

Sammy Wilson, MP for East Antrim, said: “The hospitality and tourism industry in Northern Ireland is among the hardest hit by the pandemic and will likely feel the devastating impact for many months, even years, to come.

“For Mid and East Antrim, in particular, this industry is absolutely vital to economic, social and cultural health – creating employment and wealth, and enriching local communities.

“That’s why it’s incumbent upon us to work collaboratively to develop recovery strategies that support local businesses in this sector. As such, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and its partners in this Task Group are to be commended for their initiative and proactivity in taking steps to develop a clear strategy with very realistic, tangible and measurable outcomes.”

North Antrim MP Ian Paisley continued: “Both Sammy and I have been hugely encouraged by the concerted action being taken by MEABC in setting up this Hospitality and Tourism Recovery Task Group.

“Action now will help preserve the future employment of the many thousands who work in the sector.

“As well as doing anything we can to support MEABC, the Task Group and its members on the ground locally, we give our commitment that we will do everything in our power to ensure that their issues and concerns are addressed at Westminster.”

Referring to the Council’s proven track record for delivering economic recovery, Mr Paisley said: “The development of a collaborative model for the delivery of economic recovery is an approach already very successfully deployed by MEABC in its Manufacturing Task Force – established in recent years to address the impact of the sudden closures of two of its biggest employers, Michelin and JTI.

“With a proven track record for driving local economic recovery – including attracting new investment into the Borough and the creation of new jobs - I am confident that the efforts of the Council and its Task Group partners will quickly bring about a much-needed boost for hospitality and tourism businesses in Mid and East Antrim.”