Partnership key to fulfilling south Down's tourism potential - Foster

Partnership is the way forward if the full tourism potential offered by the south Down region is to be delivered, Arlene Foster said today.
~ Monday, 30 January 2012

Addressing the Assembly during a debate on tourism development in the south Down area, the Minister said local authorities had a big part to play in ensuring tourists were given the best possible experience.

The Tourism Minister said: “My Department has invested significant capital and time in the development of south Down through the St Patrick’s and Mourne Signature Projects.

“I believe that investment in the Signature Projects has created a new sense of civic pride, a new stimulus for year-round tourism and compelling reasons for visitors to choose to come here and return in the future.

“With each one coming to fruition, not just the Mournes and St Patrick’s Signature Projects, but also Titanic, the Giant’s Causeway and the Walled City, there has never been a better time for destinations across Northern Ireland to fully achieve their potential, especially as we commence 2012, a year of commemorations and celebrations.

“This requires a co-operative approach if we are to make the most of our investment in tourism.”

Explaining that the south Down offering was being used extensively by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) and Tourism Ireland in their global marketing campaigns, Arlene Foster said potential visitors from all over the world were being made aware of how special the area was.

The Minister added: “Our investment in the Mournes is set to continue. The Tourist Board has, for example, offered £1.4million to implement two world class mountain bike trails at Rostrevor and Kilbroney in the Mourne Mountains. In addition, NITB has supported improvements to the Mourne upland path network and a public art scheme at gateway sites in the area.

“Work continues to develop and upgrade various St Patrick and Christian Heritage sites along St Patrick’s Trail from Bangor to Armagh. White on brown tourist signage for the Trail is complete and in place.”

The implementation of white on brown tourist signage for the Mourne Coastal Route is underway and work continues in parallel to develop and improve various amenity sites and viewpoints along the route.

The Minister added: “It is not hard to see why this region is one of Northern Ireland’s key tourism destinations. It’s not just the scenery which makes this area attractive, it is also steeped in rich cultural history and unique Early Christian Heritage.

“We have acted as a catalyst to tourism in the area and now ownership must transfer to the local authorities to continue delivering on the tourism promise.

“I would encourage involvement from all those with an interest in tourism in south Down to improve the visitor experience by developing the unique stories and culture of the area.”

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