Menu
07/03/2003
Minister commends local tourism industry
NIO Trade Minister Ian Pearson has commended the strength and resilience of the Northern Ireland tourism industry.
Speaking to over 380 members of the industry at the silver anniversary of the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards held in the Ramada Hotel, Mr Pearson said: “By strengthening the indigenous tourism industry, we strengthen the whole of the Northern Ireland economy. “Since my arrival I have been very impressed by beautiful, unspoiled scenery and the warmth and friendliness of the people, confirmation, if any is needed, that people, place and pace are Northern Ireland’s unique and valuable strengths which should be capitalised on. The region has an abundance of natural assets which if developed properly will increase visitor numbers and revenue.”
Indicating that tourism was predicted to grow to around 1.8 million for 2002 - an increase of 7% compared to 2001 - the Minister emphasised that that in spite of what he described as the “world-shattering events” of recent years and recent international tensions, the potential remained for tourism to generate economic growth.
He said: “Tourism can bring economic benefits to all areas - urban and rural. Indeed in many parts of Northern Ireland tourism is the lifeblood of the community. New jobs could be created across Northern Ireland – many of these would be in new TSN areas and areas of natural beauty where other job opportunities are difficult to create. However, it is essential that tourism must be an environmentally, economically and socially sustainable activity.”
Commending the winners, the Minister said: “This is an exciting and challenging time for all involved in the tourism industry. My vision is for a dynamic and thriving tourism sector in Northern Ireland.”
Mr Pearson said that a main priority of the NITB, particularly relevant this year in light of developments internationally, was the marketing of the Northern Ireland to the home market and the residents of the Republic of Ireland.
(SP)
Speaking to over 380 members of the industry at the silver anniversary of the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards held in the Ramada Hotel, Mr Pearson said: “By strengthening the indigenous tourism industry, we strengthen the whole of the Northern Ireland economy. “Since my arrival I have been very impressed by beautiful, unspoiled scenery and the warmth and friendliness of the people, confirmation, if any is needed, that people, place and pace are Northern Ireland’s unique and valuable strengths which should be capitalised on. The region has an abundance of natural assets which if developed properly will increase visitor numbers and revenue.”
Indicating that tourism was predicted to grow to around 1.8 million for 2002 - an increase of 7% compared to 2001 - the Minister emphasised that that in spite of what he described as the “world-shattering events” of recent years and recent international tensions, the potential remained for tourism to generate economic growth.
He said: “Tourism can bring economic benefits to all areas - urban and rural. Indeed in many parts of Northern Ireland tourism is the lifeblood of the community. New jobs could be created across Northern Ireland – many of these would be in new TSN areas and areas of natural beauty where other job opportunities are difficult to create. However, it is essential that tourism must be an environmentally, economically and socially sustainable activity.”
Commending the winners, the Minister said: “This is an exciting and challenging time for all involved in the tourism industry. My vision is for a dynamic and thriving tourism sector in Northern Ireland.”
Mr Pearson said that a main priority of the NITB, particularly relevant this year in light of developments internationally, was the marketing of the Northern Ireland to the home market and the residents of the Republic of Ireland.
(SP)
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 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.
27 October 2022
New £4m NI Tourism Campaign Launches
Tourism Ireland has announced a new £4 million multi-media promotional campaign across Great Britain to promote short breaks and holidays in Northern Ireland. The campaign is a result of funding recently announced by Economy Minister Gordon Lyons to help Northern Ireland's tourism industry rebuild and expand post pandemic.
New £4m NI Tourism Campaign Launches
Tourism Ireland has announced a new £4 million multi-media promotional campaign across Great Britain to promote short breaks and holidays in Northern Ireland. The campaign is a result of funding recently announced by Economy Minister Gordon Lyons to help Northern Ireland's tourism industry rebuild and expand post pandemic.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
