The IRA bombing campaign continues to target Belfast hotels leaving the city short of visitor accommodation.
When The Troubles started in Northern Ireland, over 95% of visitors to Belfast were there for business. There were some 900 hotel bedrooms in the city to cater for this trade. A result of a Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) bombing campaign focusing on the hotel and restaurant business now only 300 bedrooms are left, and the hotel trade itself is virtually nonexistent.
Almost every hotel in Belfast has been attacked in a systematic campaign aimed at the commercial life of the city. A bombing blitz of the Conway Hotel in Belfast city centre has left the former prestige spot in ruins. The remains will have to be raised before any rebuilding can be considered.
Accommodation for the visitor is available of course, but its hard to find and mostly at small private hotels.
One after another, the hotels have been hit despite thousands of pounds spent on elaborate security systems. Hoteliers who have survived have adapted to circumstances.
Since the bombing of the Conway Hotel and Wellington Park Hotel, Harry Toner, owner of the Windsor Hotel on the southern outskirts of Belfast, has been swamped with bookings.
For example, a one-day conference scheduled at the Conway Hotel was transferred to the Windsor Hotel. Harry Toner does not like to benefit from the misfortunes of others, but this is the reality.
The tourist board and hotel groups are now considering what the future might hold.
A developing trade in the non-business area is holidays involving boat cruises and fishing where accommodation is not a problem.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 9 April 1976. The reporter is Brian Black.
