Tourism legislation requires all tourism/visitor accommodation to hold a current Tourism Northern Ireland (NI) certificate.
This involves a visit to the property from a member of Tourism NI’s certification team, who will inspect the property to ensure it meets certification requirements. Under current legislation, a statutory (legal) inspection of the premises is undertaken every four years.
A certificate issued by Tourism NI, following this inspection, is also valid for four years.
What do you need to consider?
Firstly there are a number of very important legal considerations in relation to becoming a tourist accommodation provider and you must comply with all relevant legislation, in particular the Tourism (Northern Ireland) Order 1992. This stipulates that all tourist accommodation providers must receive certification from Tourism NI before they are allowed to begin operating.
It is illegal to offer tourist accommodation in Northern Ireland without a certificate from Tourism NI.
Any person who provides or offers to provide tourist accommodation that does not have a valid certificate issued by Tourism NI is guilty of an offence and may be liable, upon conviction, to a fine of up to £2,500 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or both. For more information on statutory certification of tourist accommodation premises please see the sections below.
What is certification and why is it required?
How do I apply?
Applications can be submitted online at https://forms.tourismni.com/Forms/, accompanied by a fee. Payment and application can also be made by post by downloading and completing the application form here.
You can also request an application pack by contacting the Quality & Standards team using our contact us form or telephone 028 90 441545. When a completed application form and fee are received, a member of Tourism NI’s inspection team will contact you to arrange a suitable time and date for the visit.
Certification Process for New Applicants
ApplicationComplete and submit application with fee and any other documentation required. |
Application ReceivedFee and documentation checked - Tourism NI contact applicant if necessary. |
Application added to databaseInformation form application is added to Tourism NI's database and an inspection visit created. |
Certification Officer receivedA Certification Officer will be appointed to carry out the inspection. A letter will be issued to you confirming receipt of application and fee and advising who will be contacting you. |
Inspector AppointmentThe Certification Officer will contact you by telephone to arrange a date for your inspection. Your premises must be ready for inspection by this date. |
Inspector ResultFollowing the inspection, the Certification Officer will either approve or refuse the issue of a certificate. There may be conditions to the certificate specifying additional work to be carried out and the Certification Officer will advise accordingly. |
RefusalIf your premises does not meet minimum standards you will be advised where the premises failed and you can either appeal the decision or reapply. |
CertificationIf your premises meets the minimum standards required, a certificate will be issued and you may start trading. |
Minimum and recommended criteria
The requirements and recommendations set out here are intended for guidance; they are not comprehensive.
During an inspection you will be advised on matters not specifically detailed here, however, inspections do not cover all aspects of tourist accommodation; it is the responsibility of certified premise operators/owners to make every reasonable effort to ensure that visitors enjoy a safe and secure stay.
As part of your duty of care to visitors you should remain vigilant of potential risk to visitors and of how you describe your premises in marketing and promotion.
Certification Application
If after reading this information you decide you would like to proceed with your application, you can access the relevant application forms from the button below.
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