Tourism Minister meets industry leaders to discuss future for tourism

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has met tourism leaders, business and public sector representatives to discuss the future strategy for Northern Ireland tourism.

The group has been established by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, (NITB) in partnership with the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment, to lead the process and oversee the development of the strategy.

Commenting on the first meeting, the Minister said: “The aim of the new tourism strategy for Northern Ireland will be to provide a clear and inspiring vision with an action plan for the development of Northern Ireland’s tourism experience through to the year 2020.

“Tourism has a vital role to play in Northern Ireland’s future. Already the industry has established itself as a major component of our economy, however we are not yet fulfilling our potential. I firmly believe tourism can do much more to increase wealth and prosperity and improve our quality of life in Northern Ireland. We have a real opportunity to make Northern Ireland a leading destination for business and leisure visitors.”

The new tourism strategy will follow on from the current Strategic Framework for Action for Tourism which was published in 2004.

NITB Chairman Howard Hastings said: “Much has changed since 2004 with the massive growth of low cost carriers, an increasingly competitive global market place, the continued stability of our political process and the state of the global economy.

“It is also important that we continue to focus on developing infrastructure, the need for improvements to service and standards, continued skills development and targeted marketing strategies in our closer to home markets.

“This can only be achieved through partnership and a coordinated approach across all organisations with responsibilities for tourism. However it is much bigger than that, it is essential that everyone across Northern Ireland sees their own role in tourism and providing our visitors with the best possible experience.”

A draft strategy is expected to be published for consultation in the summer of 2009.

Notes to Editors:

1. Tourism Strategy Steering Group:

Clive Gordon, Chair, NITB Board
Howard Hastings, NITB Chair
Sally Montgomery, NITB Board
Martyn Todd, NITB Board
Alan Clarke, NITB
David Sterling, DETI
Keith Morrison, DARD
Maggie Smith, DoE
John McGrillen, SOLACE
Gerry Mallon, Northern Bank
Bob Cotton, British Hospitality Association
Jeff Jamet, Former NITB Board
Jonathan Stapleton, Lough Erne Golf Resort
Simon Gregory, Tourism Ireland
Bill McGinnis, TIL Board
Issam Horshi, NI Hotels Federation President
Norman Coalter, proprietor of Horseshoe and Saddlers
Hilary McGrady, National Trust
David Quarmby, formerly Visit Britain
Patricia Yates, Visit Britain

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