Tourism hit by disease crisis

Carrick-a-rede rope bridge attracts many visitors

Northern Ireland hoteliers are urging First Minister David Trimble to establish a task force to tackle a growing crisis in the tourist industry due to the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

A study by PricewaterhouseCoopers claims the tourism and hospitality industry could be harder hit than some sectors of agriculture.

Figures from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board show that more than £200m of business is at risk if the crisis continues into the summer.

Agriculture minister Brid Rodgers may announce measures on Wednesday which could help the ailing industry.

Hoteliers are reporting a drop in business by up to 50%, with many receiving a flood of cancellations as events are called off due to the foot-and-mouth restrictions.

Howard Hastings, President of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation, said that there was a cash flow crisis.

David Trimble: Urged to set up task force

"Jobs and business viability are at risk and if the present position continues we will lose capacity from the industry," he said.

"This is not what the economy needs in the long term and we would wish to explore how the immediate cash flows of the sector can be secured."

The hospitality and tourism industry employs 35,000 people across Northern Ireland, and is worth £350m to the province.

However, the NIHF says that many related sectors of the industry are suffering from the lack of visitors and the entire infrastructure of the tourist industry is threatened.

It says that most hotel have already taken steps to cut their overheads and staff costs but others will be faced with closure unless measures are taken to protect them.

Mr Hastings called on the tourism minister, Sir Reg Empey, to consider how the industry could recover from the crisis.

"With the right programme in place and the support of the Northern Ireland Executive, we can fast track the recovery of the tourist industry and the wider economy," he said.

"We are committed to working with our government partners towards that goal."