Menu
07/03/2002
Minister emphasises renewal through tourism
The rewards that tourism can bring to the Northern Ireland economy are enormous, if we can put behind us the obstacles of the past.
This was the message from Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, who was speaking in Londonderry as he performed the Topping Out ceremony at the new City Hotel due to open this summer.
The hotel, which is being developed by the prestigious Great Southern Hotel Group, who currently operate nine hotels in the Republic of Ireland, will create 85 full-time jobs as a result of the project.
Performing the ceremony, Sir Reg also revealed that the Northern Ireland Tourist Board had just published for public consultation its draft Corporate Plan for 2002 – 2005, which sets out the key strategic objectives for the next three years.
He added: “As Minister responsible for both tourism and the economy, I look forward to the day when tourism becomes Northern Ireland’s most prestigious job and wealth creator. The development of this hotel and the renewal and regeneration of Londonderry is an excellent illustration of the potential of the tourism industry.
“The new City Hotel, located on the old Thompson’s Mill site by the River Foyle, is a further example of the rejuvenating power of tourism in developing an unused, historical location for modern day use.”
“The industry has experienced a challenging year with Foot and Mouth, compounded by the atrocities of 11 September. However, we must now move forward and put past difficulties behind us and concentrate on the great potential which tourism offers Northern Ireland.”
When completed the hotel will comprise 145 bedrooms, restaurant, conference facilities, health club, lounge bar and underground parking.
Funding for the project was received from NITB under its Tourism Development Scheme (TDS) for £2.251 million, Londonderry Development Office for £1 million and International Fund for Ireland (IFI) for £0.5 million.
(MB)
This was the message from Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, who was speaking in Londonderry as he performed the Topping Out ceremony at the new City Hotel due to open this summer.
The hotel, which is being developed by the prestigious Great Southern Hotel Group, who currently operate nine hotels in the Republic of Ireland, will create 85 full-time jobs as a result of the project.
Performing the ceremony, Sir Reg also revealed that the Northern Ireland Tourist Board had just published for public consultation its draft Corporate Plan for 2002 – 2005, which sets out the key strategic objectives for the next three years.
He added: “As Minister responsible for both tourism and the economy, I look forward to the day when tourism becomes Northern Ireland’s most prestigious job and wealth creator. The development of this hotel and the renewal and regeneration of Londonderry is an excellent illustration of the potential of the tourism industry.
“The new City Hotel, located on the old Thompson’s Mill site by the River Foyle, is a further example of the rejuvenating power of tourism in developing an unused, historical location for modern day use.”
“The industry has experienced a challenging year with Foot and Mouth, compounded by the atrocities of 11 September. However, we must now move forward and put past difficulties behind us and concentrate on the great potential which tourism offers Northern Ireland.”
When completed the hotel will comprise 145 bedrooms, restaurant, conference facilities, health club, lounge bar and underground parking.
Funding for the project was received from NITB under its Tourism Development Scheme (TDS) for £2.251 million, Londonderry Development Office for £1 million and International Fund for Ireland (IFI) for £0.5 million.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 August 2024
Ministers Announce New Shared Island Tourism Funding Scheme
A new funding scheme from the Shared Island Tourism Brand Collaboration Project – featuring Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland – has been announced by Economy Minister Conor Murphy and Ireland's Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin.
Ministers Announce New Shared Island Tourism Funding Scheme
A new funding scheme from the Shared Island Tourism Brand Collaboration Project – featuring Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland – has been announced by Economy Minister Conor Murphy and Ireland's Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin.
14 November 2008
All-Ireland Tourism Showcases In London
Tourism Ministers from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland supported local tourism at the industry's largest trade exhibition, in London, this week.
All-Ireland Tourism Showcases In London
Tourism Ministers from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland supported local tourism at the industry's largest trade exhibition, in London, this week.
01 October 2008
Accolades For Selling Tourist Ireland Abroad
The hard work of those who market Ireland as a tourist destination abroad has been recognised. Tourism Ministers from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland joined forces for the inaugural, 'Ambassadors for Tourism Awards' earlier this week.
Accolades For Selling Tourist Ireland Abroad
The hard work of those who market Ireland as a tourist destination abroad has been recognised. Tourism Ministers from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland joined forces for the inaugural, 'Ambassadors for Tourism Awards' earlier this week.
27 January 2010
Tourism Matters In Focus
Whether it is 'flying your kite' surfing off Benone, (pictured) or enjoying cultural tourism in west Belfast, the way tourism is marketed has been in focus this week. Both an advance - and a more backward step - in tourism matters were highlighted yesterday as two politicians spoke out on making the most of visitor numbers.
Tourism Matters In Focus
Whether it is 'flying your kite' surfing off Benone, (pictured) or enjoying cultural tourism in west Belfast, the way tourism is marketed has been in focus this week. Both an advance - and a more backward step - in tourism matters were highlighted yesterday as two politicians spoke out on making the most of visitor numbers.
27 October 2021
Belfast Makes Top 20 List Of Most Sustainable Destinations In The World
Belfast has made the Top 20 official list of sustainable destinations in the world, recognised as a leading city tourism destination committed to sustainable development and growth.
Belfast Makes Top 20 List Of Most Sustainable Destinations In The World
Belfast has made the Top 20 official list of sustainable destinations in the world, recognised as a leading city tourism destination committed to sustainable development and growth.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
