Northern Ireland’s hospitality, tourism and business communities have strongly welcomed the Finance Minister’s decision to halt the Reval 2026 process, describing the move as a vital intervention at a time of intense pressure across the sector.
The announcement, made today by Finance Minister John O’Dowd, confirms that the planned rates revaluation will be paused, with a review now set to take place following widespread concern from hospitality operators, representative bodies and business leaders.
Hospitality Ulster: “A Moment of Relief for an Industry Under Severe Strain”
Reacting to the decision, Hospitality Ulster said the move comes at a critical moment for the industry.
Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster, described the announcement as a significant relief for businesses that had been facing escalating anxiety and uncertainty.
He said the organisation welcomes the Minister’s intention to halt Reval 2026 and review the process that brought hospitality “to this crisis point,” adding that the decision shows the value of locally elected politicians listening to the people who underpin the economy and provide an invaluable service to society.
Hospitality Ulster also reiterated that opposition to Reval 2026 was never about avoiding fair contribution, but about preventing a system that would have been fundamentally unworkable.
The organisation now looks forward to engaging constructively with the Department of Finance to develop a solution that allows hospitality businesses to pay their fair share while continuing to grow, supporting jobs, communities and the wider Northern Ireland economy.
Belfast Chamber: “Common Sense Has Prevailed”
Business leaders echoed those sentiments, with Belfast Chamber strongly welcoming the pause.
Clare Guinness, Chief Executive of Belfast Chamber, said it was encouraging to see common sense prevail on an issue that had the potential to cause serious damage to the hospitality sector.
She noted that the Finance Minister had recently addressed Belfast Chamber members at a business lunch and had demonstrated a clear willingness to listen — something she said is now reflected in today’s decision.
Hospitality and leisure businesses make up almost a third of Belfast Chamber’s membership, underlining the sector’s importance to employment, tourism, city-centre vibrancy and economic growth.
With operators continuing to face rising costs and financial pressure, Belfast Chamber stressed that policy decisions must enable businesses to survive and thrive, rather than adding further strain. The organisation has committed to working collaboratively with government and stakeholders to develop a fair, balanced and sustainable approach to rates reform.
Northern Ireland Hotels Federation: “A Necessary and Constructive Pause”
The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF) also welcomed the announcement, describing it as both necessary and constructive for the accommodation sector.
Janice Gault, Chief Executive of NIHF, said the decision reflects long-standing feedback from hotels and accommodation providers across Northern Ireland.
She highlighted that the scale and timing of the proposed Reval 2026 changes had created significant uncertainty for businesses already operating in a challenging environment. The pause, she said, provides valuable breathing space and an opportunity to work collaboratively towards a more proportionate and balanced approach.
NIHF welcomed the Finance Minister’s acknowledgement of industry concerns and expressed appreciation for the willingness to pause and engage directly with the sector.
What Happens Next for Reval 2026?
While the halting of Reval 2026 has been widely welcomed, hospitality leaders are clear that this is not the end of the conversation.
Industry bodies now await further clarity from the Department of Finance on next steps, timelines and how the review process will involve those most affected. There is broad consensus across hospitality, tourism and business organisations that any future reform must be fair, evidence-based and economically sustainable.
The hospitality sector has made clear that it stands ready to play its part in supporting public finances — but only through a system that allows businesses to survive, invest and grow.
As Northern Ireland continues to navigate economic uncertainty, today’s decision is being viewed as a positive reset and a crucial opportunity to rebuild trust between government and one of the region’s most important industries.
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