The key aim of the project was to help raise the profile of tourism in the areas through the provision of visitor servicing infrastructure and training. Progress to date includes the production of a series of visitor servicing literature, the rolling out of a comprehensive training programme aimed at raising awareness of the benefits of community tourism and providing local residents with the skills to welcome visitors.
Speaking at the event the Minister said: “Belfast is the gateway to Northern Ireland and a key short break destination where visitors can enjoy our communities, history, culture and way of life. It is through projects such as this, that communities can start to tell their story and encourage visitors to experience their culture.”
The Minister added: “This pilot project was about putting a basic visitor servicing infrastructure in place to make visitors feel welcome and give that positive first impression. The project has helped tourists to explore both areas in a more informed and structured manner.
“Visitor servicing is a significant part of the tourism industry. It encourages people to make visits to an area, to use the facilities and services, spend money, stay longer and come back. It is therefore an activity that is very influential in generating economic benefit from tourism.”
Concluding the Minister said: “Going forward it is now about creating a culture of tourism, a sense of place, it is about managing and interacting with our visitors, demonstrating pride in our community and telling our story.”
A visitor signage interpretation scheme is due to be unveiled in May in North Belfast and the Shankill, and at the end of June a bronze plaque heritage trail is due to commence on the Crumlin and Shankill Roads.
Notes to Editors:
- The Renewing Communities Fund was managed by Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau with funding via the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
- NITB’s Strategic Framework for Action recognises the importance of visitor servicing in terms of looking after our visitors every step of the way.
- NITB is currently implementing the Northern Ireland Visitor Servicing Strategy across Northern Ireland in conjunction with key partners.
- For media enquiries, please contact DETI Press Office on 028 9052 9348.
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