Mr Waldron added the Government needs to support hotels with bed supply over the next two years.

'We are determined as a Government to support those businesses to stay'

The Slieve Russel Hotel is in a fortune position due to a high-level of deferred business caused by lockdown, which has seen an increase in weddings, events and conferences.

Many pubs may be closed by next year if they are not given extra support.

The hospitality sector reported a big drop off in business since the midnight curfew was introduced.

DIGI says it's down to continued consumer reluctance due to the pandemic, a drop in foreign tourism, and the rise of overseas holidays.

Businesses across the Northern Sound region have been preparing to reopen for the first time this year.