Foster opens new £2.5million motel redevelopment in Enniskillen

Tourism Minister, Arlene Foster, officially opened the newly refurbished Belmore Court and Motel in Enniskillen, today.

Initially established as a 30 room motel in 1991, it has recently undergone a major £2.5million redevelopment which has added a further 30 bedrooms, four conference rooms, as well as a new reception, foyer and breakfast room.

Officially unveiling the new-look motel, Arlene Foster said: “Tourism has a major role to play in Northern Ireland’s economic future. The Northern Ireland Executive has set ambitious goals to increase the number of tourists visiting Northern Ireland to 2.5million and to grow tourism revenue from out of state visitors to £520million each year, by 2011.

“As the expectations of our visitors continue to rise, it is important that we not only meet, but exceed such expectations, through improved accommodation and customer service.

“The new facilities at the Belmore Court and Motel, and similar investments in our tourism sector, can help showcase Northern Ireland as an attractive location, with quality accomodation on offer to both leisure and business tourists alike.

“With many popular attractions on the motel’s doorstep, investments such as this can help to increase visitor numbers, provide a more memorable experience, and, ideally, encourage visitors to return in future.”

The Minister said that despite the current global recession, there are opportunities which can be exploited.

She said: “We are all aware of the economic challenges currently faced. However, preliminary statistics from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board show that business from Great Britain and Republic of Ireland markets continues to rise. In 2008, arrivals to Northern Ireland hotels from the Republic of Ireland rose by 30%, while arrivals from Great Britain increased by 19% in 2008.

“There are real short term opportunities to exploit the strong euro. With more people expected to holiday closer to home this year, I believe that Northern Ireland is well positioned to offer a unique, value for money experience.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has been supporting the tourism industry through the creation of innovative and targeted campaigns in the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland markets to create maximum impact.
2. The Belmont Court and Motel is certified as a Bed and Breakfast by NITB.
3. Media enquiries please contact DETI Press Office, telephone 028 9052 9348. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.