St Patrick’s tourism project launched in Armagh

Plans for the St Patrick’s/Christian Heritage tourism signature project, which aims to develop the tourism package in the Armagh/Down area into an internationally recognised visitor attraction, were launched today in Armagh.

Launching the plan to an audience of local tourism providers in Armagh’s Market Place Theatre, Northern Ireland Tourist Board Chairman, Tom McGrath, said the qualities of the tourism product with modern visitor facilities and interactive interpretation were “very impressive”.

“This action plan will ensure that public and private sector tourism providers will work together to develop a competitive product that will attract and keep many more visitors to this region,” he said.

The plans include proposals to develop a high quality St Patrick Trail, a circular route linking Downpatrick and Armagh and related sites; encouraging local services to become involved in the St Patrick’s product; development of new literature; co-ordination of an events/festivals programme across the trail and development of a St Patrick’s/Christian Heritage portal site.

Tourism Minister Barry Gardiner said: “The core elements of a great holiday destination are already available in Armagh and Down. The next stage is to go the extra mile to develop the area into an exceptional tourism experience.

“If all the actions associated with this Signature Project are implemented, we estimate the economic contribution to Northern Ireland will be in the region of £30 million per annum.

The St Patrick’s/Christian Heritage Signature Project is one of five Signature Projects outlined by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in its Strategic Framework for Action, published in October 2003.

The other Signature Projects are: Giant’s Causeway / Antrim & Causeway Coast area; Titanic Belfast; The Walled City of Derry; and the Mournes National Park area.

(MB/SP)