To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any plans he has to develop a dedicated hospitality strategy and action plan.

I recognise the contribution of the hospitality sector to both our tourism offer and the wider economy.

I have established a Tourism Partnership Board to support my Department in the co-design and development of a Tourism Action Plan to lay out a vision for the sustainable and inclusive growth of our valuable tourism sector. To ensure a collaborative co-design approach, membership of the Partnership Board consists of representatives from both the tourism industry and the hospitality sector, alongside Executive Departments and local government.

This will ensure that issues important to the hospitality sector will be considered, such as the need for a bespoke Skills Action Plan to address skills gaps, rewarding careers including competitive salaries, career pathways and equitable distribution of opportunities throughout the North.