Clare Sugden, Independent MLA for East Londonderry, has spoken in praise of new hotel stock coming to the greater North Coast area.
Ms Sugden explained how existing tourism habits in tandem with the “lack of hotels in the North Coast area”, has been putting pressure on existing housing stock, while simultaneously underserves the tourism industry.
“We should be doing everything possible to encourage the 422,000 tourists who visited it in 2022 to stay longer and explore more of the north coast.” Continued Ms Sugden.
Tourism NI has found a 163% boom in short-term holiday lets has contributed to house prices in the Causeway Coast and Glens Council rising by 13%, meaning both renting and purchasing homes is becoming increasingly unattainable for existing residents.
Longstanding concerns of this nature have led local representatives to flag that seaside escapes along Northern Ireland’s coast could become “ghost towns”, as a decline in year-round inhabitants cannot sustain services like schools, doctors and businesses.
With the tourism industry set to grow in Northern Ireland, especially to the Giant’s Causeway, representatives have welcomed the increasing hotels coming to the area.
Increased hotel supply has been welcomed by tourists, residents and business owners alike, as they are strongly predicted to allow for increase more affordable staycation trips though greater flexibility of stays for locals.
Ms Sugden also touted the benefits of higher-end provision coming to the area, “with the Open just around the corner, it will be these kinds of places that keep wealthier tourists in the area for longer” allowing them to explore the greater Causeway Coast and Glens area.
Z Property are delighted to be regenerating the former Glens/Thornlea Hotel, situated in the serene seaside town of Cushendall, Co. Antrim.
Based just off the iconic Antrim Coast Road with breathtaking views of the Glens of Antrim, the West Coast of Scotland, it’s the perfect base to explore all things Game of Thrones and the Giant’s Causeway.
Regenerating this beloved hotel has been welcomed by locals and tourist representatives alike. Z Property are committed to sustainable development and have undertaken rigorous planning and outreach with the surrounding community.
To find out more about the upcoming Cushendall Inn, head to https://zpropertydevelopment.com/cushendall-inn/ and follow along on our Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.