Hoteliers in North still cautious after ceasefire

The Northern Ireland hotel industry is cautiously optimistic about the new IRA ceasefire, according to a new survey.

The BDO Stoy Hayward review found that hoteliers who were interviewed after the ceasefire announcement were only slightly more optimistic than before.

"The feedback from hoteliers is that although the ceasefire is welcome, the industry realises it will take time to rebuild confidence, particularly in overseas markets," BDO Stoy Hayward said.

Hoteliers noted that enquiries for overnight accommodation were not at the level they were at after the last ceasefire.

But some Border area hotels had experienced a slight increase in the number of overnight stays by visitors from the South.

"They are optimistic that this will increase with time," BDO said.

Of those surveyed, 33 per cent were either optimistic or very optimistic about the next three months while 30 per cent were pessimistic and 37 per cent were unsure.

A total of 89 hotels were surveyed.