Hotelier  John Fitzpatrick says that New York and Northern Ireland face similar challanges in developing tourism.  Speaking at a Tourism Conferenc ein belfast he said that both places have suffered a downturn in business travel and conference bookings. Secondly, New York and the North have seen a big increase in room supply.

In 1999 Northern Ireland had just 4,893 hotel rooms compared to 62,341 hotel rooms in New York. Today the North has about 7,685 hotel rooms, while New York has 78,771 rooms and rising. Both markets, he said, have also seen a big increase in the number of budget hotel chains, which has had a big impact on average daily rates.

In his eyes there are big challenges, but he is confident that things 'will get better if you are one of the people, either in New York or Northern Ireland, who decides to take action and become part of the solution.'

Fitzpatrick firmly believes that no business can afford to sit back and feel sorry for itself these days. It is vital that everyone works together to sell Northern Ireland, he says, and it is vital that key government ministers from the North are visible in the campaign to woo new visitors.

He is urging hoteliers and the hospitality industry in the North to get involved with trade bodies such as the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Tourism Ireland, and with airlines and tourist attractions, to help boost business.

The Fitzpatrick family have built their reputation on two fundamental principles since 1970 – passion and the personal touch.