NI hotels have 'best year ever'

Business is booming for Belfast's hotel industry

Hotels in Northern Ireland have had their best year ever, according to an industry survey.

It found that in some areas, such as Belfast, demand for rooms outstripped supply.

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has welcomed the findings, especially the increase in visitors from Europe and the USA.

"We must capitalise on the demand for Northern Ireland as a tourist destination," she said.

"We must build on our success to date and maximise the contribution that tourism can make to the Northern Ireland economy."

The survey, conducted by ASM Howarth, found the increased demand for hotel bedrooms had been fuelled by overseas holiday makers, short-break and business tourists.

The increased demand meant that hotels in Northern Ireland outperformed all regions in the Republic of Ireland in terms of total revenue and pre-tax profitability on a per room basis.

Michael Williamson, director of hotel, tourism and leisure consulting at ASM Horwath, said the survey revealed a very impressive performance by the hotel industry.

"In financial performance terms, the industry now outperforms hotels in Dublin, one of the most dynamic markets in Europe over the past number of years," he said.