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.

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