Foster addresses tourism challenges and opportunities

At a conference in Newry today, Tourism Minister Arlene Foster addressed the challenges and opportunities facing Northern Ireland tourism.

The Minister was attending a major tourism conference, entitled Tourism Tomorrow – Challenges and Opportunities, hosted by Newry and Mourne District Council. Speaking to an audience of leading tourism representatives, the Minister said: “In today’s economic climate, the tourism market is more challenging than ever with travellers seeking high standards at competitive prices. This challenge can however be turned into an opportunity to market Northern Ireland as an attractive and cost effective destination for a wide range of visitors.

“Already we are welcoming record visitor numbers. By listening to and understanding customer needs, targeting growth markets and building our skills base, we can achieve the ambitious targets, set out in the Programme for Government, to increase tourist numbers to 2.5million and grow tourism revenue to £520million by 2011.”

The two day conference is taking place at the Canal Court Hotel, Newry and Narrow Water Castle, Warrenpoint.

Guest Speakers included Kathryn Thomson, Chief Operating Officer at the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. Commenting on the conference Kathryn said: “This conference provides a valuable opportunity for key tourism industry representatives to get together and focus on the challenges and opportunities which lie ahead. We believe that the five Signature Projects will develop unique destinations that will create recognition, internationally for Northern Ireland.”

“As consumer spending power reduces, it is important that we develop a culture of quality while demonstrating value for money. It is also essential that we develop our closer to home markets, with huge untapped potential in the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain markets.”

The conference continues tomorrow, Friday 10 October, focusing on the theme of ‘Hidden Gems before Our Eyes’. Speakers include Professor Richard Sommer from Harvard Graduate School and Dr Mike Sweeney, Director of Copper Coast Park in Waterford.

Notes to Editors

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