Tourism in Northern Ireland could suffer a devastating £135 million sterling loss due to the foot-and-mouth situation, it was claimed today.
As Department of Agriculture (DARD) vets investigated a suspected fresh outbreak of the disease in the province, it was revealed that bookings for some of the region's top destinations have plunged by 75 per cent.
Northern Ireland Hotel Federation spokesman Mr Alastair Good said a survey carried out last week showed business has been dealt a massive blow, with British government restrictions forcing events and conferences to be cancelled.
"The value of tourism to Northern Ireland is around £350 million per annum; a prolonged outbreak (of foot-and-mouth) may cost around £135 million," he predicted.
Although he acknowledged it was vital that measures were in place to protect Northern Ireland's agri-food sector, Mr Good warned that jobs could be jeopardised as a result.
"The tourism sector employs over 35,000 and if there is a prolonged outbreak many of these may be placed at risk," he said.
PA