Debate contribution: Hospitality Sector
Debate contribution by Dr Caoimhe Archibald on .
- MLA
- Dr Caoimhe Archibald
- Party at the time
- Sinn Féin
- Date
- 16 June 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution (made as a minister)
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Hospitality Sector
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5623856
Read the official Assembly record
Text
My Department, along with partner organisations, offers a wide range of supports to help hospitality businesses to become more sustainable. That includes promoting energy efficiency, encouraging innovation, developing skills and helping them to explore new markets. Invest NI provides advice, guidance, innovation grants and access to finance for small and medium-sized businesses. Tourism NI has launched a business resilience programme to support tourism businesses by offering expert financial guidance and a bespoke action plan. Earlier this year, I met Hospitality Ulster and the NI Food To Go Association about a VAT reduction pilot scheme to address differences between the North and the South. Following that meeting, the Minister of Finance and I wrote to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, seeking a meeting on the issue. Members may also be aware that I have recently published research into the night-time economy, which was undertaken in partnership with Tourism NI and the Belfast business improvement district. That has already led to funding for a late-night transport pilot in Belfast, supporting a safe and vibrant night-time economy. My Department will continue to monitor business sentiment and engaging with stakeholders to support a sustainable and thriving hospitality sector, in line with our four economic priorities.
202 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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