Tourism is everyone's business: Foster

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has encouraged everyone in Northern Ireland to make tourism their business.

Speaking at the Westville Hotel in Enniskillen, the Minister urged everyone, including locals in small rural towns and villages, to be proud of where they live, be enthusiastic about sharing it with visitors and passionate about making Northern Ireland a memorable destination for visitors.

Arlene Foster said: "Tourism supports over 40,000 jobs in Northern Ireland and it is a key driver of our economy. It helps bring new facilities to our towns and villages, creates opportunities in rural areas and is a source of pride for the people of Northern Ireland.

“Currently we are seeing more and more visitors travelling from the Republic of Ireland and people choosing to holiday at home. Last year, total visitors from the Republic of Ireland pumped £67million into the economy as the total number of holiday makers rose by 39% from this key market. These visitors are staying for longer and experiencing more while they are here.

“In addition, the number of Northern Ireland residents choosing to holiday at home increased by 13% and total trips taken resulted in £190million being spent in the local economy.”

Commenting on the Westville Hotel, which has recently been awarded a four star status by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the Minister said: “Accommodation providers such as the Westville can play a hugely important role in delivering unique and authentic experiences for visitors to Northern Ireland. The work that has been completed here now means that Fermanagh has even more to offer visitors.”

The Minister concluded by highlighting the public consultation on the 'Draft Tourism Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2020'. The Strategy sets out the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s vision for the development of Northern Ireland’s tourism experience through to the year 2020.

The Minister said: “Everyone has a part to play and I want to ensure that the proposals are appropriate for Northern Ireland, and I therefore encourage all stakeholders to consider the consultation and contribute to developing Northern Ireland’s future tourism policy.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Westville hotel was recently rated the best venue to eat and sleep in Enniskillen by the Lonely Planet guide.
2. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment is seeking responses to the 'Draft Tourism Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2020' by 20 May 2010. The consultation is available online or a hard copy can be requested by contacting DETI Tourism Policy Branch on tel: 028 9052 9524.
3. For media enquiries please contact the DETI Press Office, telephone 028 9052 9591. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.