To ask the Minister for the Economy (i) for his assessment of the sustainability of the bed and breakfast and guesthouse industry; and (ii) to detail any plans he has to support these businesses.

The B&B, guest house and guest accommodation sub-sector is an integral part of Northern Ireland’s accommodation offering for visitors. It represents 18.7% of the total accommodation stock currently holding a certificate under the Tourism (Northern Ireland) Order 1992.

The sub-sector experienced consistent positive growth between 2012 and 2019. While the COVID 19 pandemic of course had a significant negative impact, I am pleased that recent data indicates that there is good recovery with a 27% increase in rooms sold in November 2021 compared to November 2019. I am therefore optimistic that the sub-sector has a positive future as the wider tourism sector returns to the vibrant and successful industry it was pre-pandemic.

My Department therefore has no plans for any additional financial support for these businesses.