NI hotels prepare for return of 'staycations' but cost of living crisis certain to hit industry

As Northern Ireland continues it's recovery from the pandemic, the road back to normality may be difficult for the hotel industry.

International and domestic travel restrictions have mostly all been scrapped but with that, the price of flights and package holidays has risen sharply.

Chief Executive of Hotels Federation Northern Ireland, Janice Gault, believes many families will choose to stay closer to home this summer, with the return of the 'staycations'.

"The cost of international has risen quite considerably," she said.

"Air fares over the summer are high and there aren't many cheap and cheerful destinations to go to.

"Some people may make the decision this year to remain at home.

"We have good island of Ireland business Last year we had significant visitors coming from the South as we were seen as an exotic destination."

The cost of living crisis continues to hit households across the UK and Mrs Gault recognises the hotel industry here may also feel the pinch.

"We have found that people depending on where they are from, probably aren't that much worse off than usual," she said.

"However, many will decide to curtail their spending as they are worried about what is coming down the line. For example rising energy costs.

"Or they are concerned that they don't want to be seen to be spending and I think that's part of it."

At the minute, Mrs Gault believes hotel bookings for the summer are looking good but stressed it's too early to be certain.

"At the moment we are finding business is quite good over the summer," she said.

"It's not a sale until the sales gone through, people can cancel.

"But I think people are relatively happy with the summer business."

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