Foster encourages Europeans to visit Northern Ireland

A favourable exchange rate and easy air access makes Northern Ireland an attractive destination for European visitors.

That was the message from the Tourism Minister, Arlene Foster when she spoke to tourism operators in the Netherlands this week, as part of Northern Ireland’s biggest-ever trade mission to Europe.

Speaking at an event, organised by Tourism Ireland, the Minister said: “The Netherlands is an important tourism market for Northern Ireland with already established travel and trade links. We want to encourage those Dutch tourists who enjoy year-round trips abroad, particularly short-breaks and activity holidays, to come to Northern Ireland. We have a choice of city breaks and activities including walking, golfing, fishing and visitors can explore some of our history and culture.”

Arlene Foster highlighted the importance of business tourism and said: “There is also a great deal of interest in Northern Ireland as a business tourism destination and Tourism Ireland, through its strong presence in the Netherlands, will continue to promote Northern Ireland as offering excellent conference and business facilities.

“In 2007, 22,000 visitors travelled from the Netherlands to Northern Ireland, that is an increase of 14% compared to 2006. This is a good foundation upon which to build even greater visitor numbers.

“With the increasing popularity of the internet in the Netherlands, 88% of the Dutch population has access to the internet and in the near future, it is predicted that more than half of the Dutch people will book their holidays online.

“We must take advantage of this strong marketing tool to increase the number of Dutch tourists travelling to Northern Ireland.”

Looking to the year ahead the Minister said: “In 2009, Tourism Ireland plans to increase its investment in online media, highlight the great value of travelling to Northern Ireland resulting from the current Euro/Sterling exchange rate and promote Northern Ireland as a diverse holiday/short-break destination with easy air access.”

In conclusion the Minister said: “While these are challenging economic times, there is no doubt that millions of people right across the world and in The Netherlands will still want to take holidays. I want to encourage the Dutch and other Europeans to take those holidays in Northern Ireland where they will have a truly memorable, reviving and enjoyable experience.”

The Minister was visiting the Netherlands as part of a four-day Invest Northern Ireland Trade Mission. Thirty-six companies from Northern Ireland embarked on the Mission and the Minister took the opportunity to encourage increased trade and tourism.

Notes to Editors:

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