- The NIHF Business Outlook Seminar 2026 took place on 28 April at Clandeboye Lodge Hotel and attracted around 200 delegates.
- Mark Simpson hosted sessions that covered hotel performance updates and market intelligence.
- Presentations examined supply and demand balance along with workforce benchmarking.
- Speakers highlighted opportunities from sporting events and global promotion efforts.
- An industry debate addressed new hotel capacity, air access and current market conditions.
The NI Hotels Federation has held its Business Outlook Seminar 2026 at Clandeboye Lodge Hotel where around 200 industry professionals gathered on 28 April.
Hosted by Mark Simpson, the sold out event delivered updates on hotel performance, market intelligence and trends shaping the sector. Delegates heard presentations on supply and demand dynamics, workforce management and opportunities linked to sporting events.
Speakers addressed ways to build distinctive hotel products, manage staffing through benchmarking, capture demand from sports and promote Ireland on the global stage. Sarah Duignan from STR presented data on how supply growth combined with demand has supported sector expansion.
An industry issues debate examined new hotel capacity, air access improvements and broader market conditions across hospitality and tourism.
The seminar provided practical insights to help hotel operators plan for the year ahead with emphasis on sustainable growth, workforce strategies and leveraging external drivers such as major events.
Sarah Duignan shared “supply plus demand equals growth in the hotel market“.
