THE north’s hospitality industry bounced back quicker from Covid than other regions in the UK, according to a new report.
Analysis produced by Ulster University Economic Policy Centre director Gareth Hetherington for the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF) found the north’s hospitality sector contracted by around 40 per cent in 2020, compared to 10 per cent for the economy as a whole.
The economist said evidence of the strong recovery is supported by several economic indicators.
“This is most evident in the labour market where the number of payrolled employees now exceeds its pre-pandemic level, and Northern Ireland has experienced the fastest growth in employees since March 2020 (pre-COVID) across all 12 UK regions,” he said.
Official tourism data published last week showed hotel room occupancy rates in Northern Ireland had not recovered to 2019 levels in the first eight months of the year, but had strongly outperformed 2021 rates.
The new Hotels Federation report has also revealed that hospitality bosses in the north retained staff better than their peers in other parts of the UK, with employment falling by 10 per cent during the pandemic compared to 20 per cent elsewhere.
“This data is broadly consistent with direct feedback from hoteliers who have indicated that their biggest challenge now is staff recruitment,” said Mr Hetherington.
“This was an issue across the board but specific shortages were noted in roles for chefs and housekeepers.”
NIHF chief executie Janice Gault said Brexit, and the pandemic had taken a toll on the hotel labour market.
“There have been issues for many years and work to address image, recruitment and retention has started. A lack of skilled workers, a limited labour pool and prohibitive immigration policies add to the challenge but it is hoped that as 2022 comes to a close, the investment made in the sector will pay dividends.
“The industry is a resilient one and has become adept at coping with change. Hotels are resilient by their very nature and continue to show real commitment to the Northern Ireland economy.
Full details of the report are due to be presented at a major industry event in Belfast on Tuesday.
Hospitality Exchange runs across two days at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
José Pizarro, often described as the ‘godfather of Spanish cuisine in the UK, will be among the panel of speakers due to address the event.
