Investors 'avoid rioting Belfast'

Conference organisers may stay clear of Belfast

Two potential overseas investors have postponed trips to Belfast this week because of the recent violence, the BBC has learned.

The disclosure came as the tourist industry warned of widespread cancellations in hotels.

Conference organisers have expressed concern about coming to NI.

Hotels' Federation's Janice Gault said: "We have a big conference in town which has expressed difficulties in both delegates and with their speakers."

She added: "We have also people saying that dinners this weekend have been reduced by up to a third - which is a significant amount of the clientele who would be attending.

"Longer term, hoteliers have expressed real concern about October - which already was quite a soft month.

"Also the following year - people already have begun to put conferences in difficulty and saying that maybe Belfast isn't the best location to come to."

The business community is worried that the two potential investors who have decided against visiting the city this week could not come back.

Deirdre Stewart of the Confederation of British Industry said: "At the end of the day, we need all of the jobs we can get.

"This isn't helping... we need more private sector investment - everyone can't work in the public sector and this is making it more difficult to get the jobs that we need."

Janice Gault: "Hoteliers have expressed real concern"

Of more concern to the business community is the ripple effect that this week's trouble could have and the longer it goes on, the greater the ripple.

At St George's Market in Belfast on Friday it looked to be business as usual - but some stall holders said trade was a little down.

For those with permanent premises in Belfast it has been a quiet week.

David Moore of Aunt Sandra's Candy Factory said: "Our trade is down and there are less people visiting the shop.

"Girl guides were due to visit our factory, but they have cancelled and want to re-book in a few weeks' time when things have settled down."