Consultation Launched On The Statutory Regulation Of Tourist Accommodation

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has launched a consultation on the minimum quality standards and statutory requirements of the north’s visitor/tourist accommodation sector.

Visitor and tourist accommodation includes Hotels, B&Bs and Self-Catering Establishments.

The proposed changes follow a review of the existing arrangements to ensure they address the current and future needs of the tourism industry, as well as its domestic and international customers.

The Minister said: “Tourism is one of our key industries and has seen real growth in recent times. With more people visiting, and our strategic goal to grow tourism expenditure from our overnight visitors to exceed £2billion by 2035, it is important that the mechanisms that support the sector are fit for purpose and address the changing needs of the tourism sector.”

The regulation of visitor/tourist accommodation through Tourism NI’s Certification Scheme has played an important role in improving standards.

The last review of these regulatory arrangements took place in 2011. Since then, there has been significant changes in market trends regarding the types of visitor/tourist accommodation being provided by industry, as well as a change to the minimum standards and offerings visitors expect.

A review of the 1992 Tourism Order has been identified as a key action in the Minister’s Tourism Vision & Action Plan: 10 Year Plan. This consultation on proposed changes to the Categories Regulations seeks to address a key part of that activity.

The Minister concluded: “Our tourist offering is world class.  This consultation aims to support our industry and better reflect trends in the sector.  I would encourage anyone with an interest to respond to shape this important update in the regulation of our visitor/tourist accommodation.”

In addition to seeking comments on the proposed changes, the Department also welcomes respondents providing additional suggestions for amending or adding to the minimum quality standards criteria for consideration.

This consultation will remain open for 12 weeks, closing at 5pm on Tuesday 6 January 2026. The consultation is available at https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-policy-statutory-regulation-tourist-accommodation.