Northern Ireland is a "must-see" for US visitors - Dodds

Tourism Minister Nigel Dodds today showcased Northern Ireland as a "must see" destination to top US travel media and professionals.

The Minister addressed over 100 of the most influential tourism, travel and media contacts in the Washington DC area at a lunch event, following the launch of the ‘Titanic – Built in Belfast’ Exhibition at Union Station in the city.

The event was organised by Tourism Ireland in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, National Museums of Northern Ireland and Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau.

The Minister urged the representatives, including editors from top publications such as the National Geographic Traveller Magazine, to visit Northern Ireland and experience this “must see” destination for themselves.

Mr Dodds said: “Northern Ireland was recently tipped as a "must–see" destination by the Lonely Planet, so it is a region very much on the rise.

“In recent years, overseas tourism to Northern Ireland has grown faster than tourism to Western Europe in general. In fact, in the period 2002-2006, revenue from overseas visitors grew by 36%. Just last year, we attracted almost two million visitors, with 145,000 of those coming from North America.

“Not only has Northern Ireland become an exciting place to live right now but it is a wonderful place to visit. The warm welcome that characterises our people, our towns and cities, the accessibility of our living and ancient culture, and the beauty of our natural landscape, ensures anyone visiting Northern Ireland will have a truly memorable holiday.

“Such events as the Titanic Exhibition and the Smithsonian Festival help spread the good news about Northern Ireland. With continued improvements in direct air access and product development, combined with strong marketing, we expect tourism in Northern Ireland to grow steadily in the next five years and to contribute significantly to the increasing strength of our economy.”

Paul O’Toole, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said: "We share the Minister’s optimism about the future of tourism in Northern Ireland and are confident that, with the benefit of wonderful publicity opportunities like the Titanic Exhibition and Smithsonian Folklife Festival, Northern Ireland can secure significant earnings from overseas tourism and can continue to exceed the rate of revenue growth predicted for Europe as a whole.

“Northern Ireland is fast becoming a world class tourism destination. Tourism Ireland believes that this exhibition and the Titanic signature project, one of five strategic development initiatives under way, will help to make the rich heritage and natural beauty of Northern Ireland more accessible to visitors.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The “Titanic Built in Belfast” Exhibition and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival are taking place in Washington DC this summer. The Festival features a range of events over four months highlighting Northern Ireland’s cultural, business and tourism opportunities and will be attended by around one million visitors. Over 80,000 people a day will go through Union Station and will have the opportunity to see the “Titanic Built in Belfast” exhibition.
2. Guests at the lunch also included the Washingtonian Magazine and AARP Travel Magazine (circulation 22 million) as well as key tour operators, airline and other tourism influencers.
3. For further information contact DETI press office tel: 028 90529510
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