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EDITORIAL
LEAVING LOCKDOWN JANICE ON THE LONG ROAD BACK TO NORMALITY. The definition of a “Pathway” is a series of actions that can be taken in order to achieve something. This week the Executive released its long awaited paper on the road out of lockdown. Titled, Moving Forward: The Executive’s Pathway Out of Restrictions, this publication was greeted by dismay with a lack of dates being identified as possibly its greatest failing. The document details 3 measures and 5 periods of easement across nine pathways. Hotels have been placed in the travel and tourism pathway. However, the complex nature of hotel trading would place certain activities under the at least three other pathways: Worship and Ceremonies, Hospitality and Sports and Leisure Activities. It could also be argued that the pathway for Culture & Heritage and Entertainment will affect recovery of the hotels as well. In a summer whose success appears to be based on the “staycation” the availability of things to see and do will play a critical role in the attractiveness of Northern Ireland. The reaction to the Executive’s document is hardly surprising. With no dates, no clear route or progression and a process based on 9 pathways over 5 phases, the prospect of 45 plus permutations is a cause for concern (never mind confusion). It should be noted that there is some sympathy for those political decision makers who are facing an unprecedented situation. There is a realisation that the transition
of COVID-19 from pandemic to endemic status was never going to be simple. After a disastrous cycle of opening & closing in 2020, culminating in the festive fiasco of Christmas, businesses want to open within a viable framework in a sustainable manner. The document gives four review dates. The first of these is 16th March and the understanding is that there will be little easement for travel, tourism and hospitality on that date. 15th April is the next review day and the indication is that collaboration with industry will take
JANICE GAULT Chief Executive
COVID-19 Return to Trading for Hotels
NORTHERN IRELAND HOTELS FEDERATION
February 2021
DOCUMENT.
5-STAGE PATHWAY. » The Federation set out the five steps needed for the industry to get back to normal.
» This is the pathway document published by the Federation in February 2021.
8 KEY SUPPORT MEASURES. » The support needed covers a wide range of areas. The Federation will continue to lobby for this support and more.
