Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has announced a £240,000 investment by the White Horse Hotel in Londonderry in new facilities.

The substantial investment, supported by Invest Northern Ireland, will create three new jobs and is part of a £1.2 million expansion. It has also enabled the hotel to gain four-star accreditation from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB).

The Minister said: "This is an immensely important investment in quality services for guests by one of the best known hotels in Londonderry and the wider North West.

"The investment will enhance the standing of the hotel and enable it to attract guests requiring four star quality standards in service, accommodation, food and leisure facilities.

"It comes at a time when tourism is moving forward strongly as a result of a series of initiatives such as the Our Time Our Place campaign, the events in Londonderry around the UK City of Culture programme, the G8 Summit in Fermanagh and the World Police and Fire Games.

"The investment by the White Horse Hotel in quality facilities and services is a very significant addition to tourism amenities in the North West and will support our ongoing campaign to attract visitors from overseas to enjoy all that Northern Ireland has to offer tourists."

The Minister was briefed about the development programme by Issam Horshi, Managing Director of the White Horse Hotel, who said: "The £240,000 investment is part of a more extensive and longer term development strategy. This has already resulted in our reception, restaurant, function facilities and leisure complex being upgraded to four-star standards. This investment is also being supported by a comprehensive staff training programme.

"The latest investment completes the upgrading of 25 bedrooms in terms of en-suite bathrooms, fixtures and lighting."

(CD)