Guidance for hotels and accommodation

This document sets out guidance on how to work safely within the visitor economy, with a particular focus on hotels and tourist accommodation. It takes account of practical considerations and recognises that the detailed arrangements may be different for each business. It has been prepared by the Department for the Economy, in partnership with Tourism NI, with input from the NI Tourism Recovery Working Group and in consultation with Public Health Agency (PHA), the Health and Safety Executive NI (HSENI) and key Executive Departments, and has been shared with trade unions.

This guidance should be considered and applied in line with:

• NI Executive’s roadmap for re-opening the Visitor Economy; and
• Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020.

Businesses must adhere to the re-opening dates and restrictions relating to each part of their business.

As of 31 July 2020, all tourist accommodation is permitted to reopen if they can do so safely. Most parts of accommodation businesses can reopen with the exception of conference facilities and indoor bars selling alcohol without a meal. Further information can be found at: www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/coronavirus-timeline-ni-businesses-reopening

The guidance provides key considerations that each business will need to translate into specific actions for its own unique circumstances. A site-by-site approach is essential and the risk assessment will differ for every business.

Each one of us must play our part in tackling the pandemic and there is an onus on individuals to operate responsibly, in line with the latest public health guidance. Owners are responsible for the conduct of their businesses and should consider how they communicate with both their staff and customers in this regard.

Sectoral Guidance - Hotels

As part of the Tourism NI Tourism Enterprise Development (TED) Programme, we took a look at specific guidance for hotels with expert Janice Gault from Northern Ireland Hotels Federation. These are available to download below.

Sectoral Guidelines – Small Accommodation

As part of the Tourism NI Tourism Enterprise Development (TED) Programme, we took a look at specific guidelines for small accommodation providers with expert Colin Houston from IQ International. The webinar and presentation are available to download below. 

Other Key Government Guidance

Restaurants, Pubs, Bars and Food Services
https://covid19.tourismni.com/businesssupport

Guidance from your Sector (Sectoral body guidance):

Further guidance has been produced across sector groups to provide businesses with best practise advice for reopening safely.

UKHospitality in partnership with Hospitality Ulster and NIHF ‘COVID-19 advice and risk assessments for hospitality businesses (Northern Ireland)’ for hospitality and visitor sector businesses in Northern, aimed at supporting the safe reopening of the sector in line with overarching Government Guidance. This includes advice for hotels; self-catering and short term lets; bed and breakfast; holiday parks; camping and caravanning and hostels.

UKHospitality, NIHF and Hospitality Ulster guidance
https://www.nihf.co.uk/
https://hospitalityulster.org/

British Holiday & Home Parks Association guidance:
www.bhhpa.org.uk/covid19hs/

National Caravan Council:
http://holidayparkshub.org.uk/article/ncc-guidance-to-help-parks-reopen/

Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers: https://www.assc.co.uk/policy/cleaning-protocols-for-self-catering-properties-in-the-context-of-covid-19/

Professional Association of Self Caterers:
www.pascuk.co.uk/

Short Term Accommodation Association:
www.ukstaa.org/

Disclaimer:
The information provided gives some guidance and assistance on Covid-19 (new coronavirus) for your tourism business. The guidance is not designed to be definitive but highlights areas that you should consider. Each business has its own requirements, depending on the type of business it is and the guests it attracts, therefore, if you require precise or detailed information on anything mentioned in this guidance, or on the legal implications for you in particular, you should seek professional legal advice.