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Operating a Guest Accommodation establishment can be a very positive experience. Aside from the financial benefits many owners also enjoy the social aspect of the business, including the opportunity to welcome guests from all over the world.
There is a broad spectrum of people who choose to stay in Guest Accommodation. A friendly host, together with good quality facilities and value for money accommodation, are key elements for success in all sectors of tourism.
Guest Accommodation’s primary focus is the provision of bedrooms for visitors. For example, this would include restaurants wishing to provide rooms for visitors.
In essence, Guest Accommodation offers comfortable overnight sleeping accommodation for visitors, in separate en-suite bedrooms, with a means to make breakfast available to visitors.
Tourism legislation requires all tourism/visitor accommodation to hold a current Tourism Northern Ireland (NI) certificate. This involves a visit to the property from a member of Tourism NI’s certification team, who will inspect the property to ensure it meets certification requirements.
Under current legislation, a statutory (legal) inspection of the premises is undertaken every four years. Under current legislation, a statutory (legal) inspection of the premises is undertaken every four years and a certificate issued by Tourism NI following this inspection is valid for four years.
Applications can be submitted online at https://forms.tourismni.com/Forms/, accompanied by a fee. £20 is payable for every room you intend to let, subject to a minimum fee of £80 and maximum of £200. Payment and application can also be made by post by downloading and completing the application form here.
You can also request an application pack by contacting the Quality & Standards team by email to qa@tourismni.com or telephone 028 90 441545. When a completed application form and fee are received, a member of Tourism NI’s inspection team will contact you to arrange a suitable time and date for the visit.
The requirements and recommendations set out here are intended for guidance; they are not comprehensive. During an inspection you will be advised on matters specific to your property, however, inspections do not cover all aspects of tourist accommodation; it is the responsibility of all certified operators/owners to make every reasonable effort to ensure that visitors enjoy a safe and secure stay.
As part of your duty of care to visitors, you should remain vigilant of the potential risk to visitors and of how you describe your premises in marketing and promotion.