Stormont Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has told a St Patrick's Day audience in the USA that Northern Ireland is a "hip, historical and happening" tourist destination.

The Minister was addressing over 350 key decision-makers from the worlds of industry, business and tourism at the Northern Ireland Bureau’s St Patrick’s Day Breakfast, in Washington, DC.

Arlene Foster said: "Northern Ireland attracts over 1.5 million overseas visitors each year, with around 160,000 of them coming from North America. The USA has a particularly strong interest in visiting Northern Ireland with its long-standing historical and cultural links.

"The Lonely Planet's description of Belfast as "hip, happening and historical" can be applied to many locations across Northern Ireland.

"Visitors can expect a truly memorable experience, with a warm welcome and stunning scenery," she said, (such as at Benone, in Co Londonderry, pictured above).

The Minister explained what visitors could expect to find in Northern Ireland. She said: "Our tourism industry has invested heavily in excellent accommodation, top golf courses and locally produced food in restaurants and cafes.

"The Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s five Signature Projects will underpin future sustainable growth by attracting visitors from the United States and across the world. All five are rooted in our history, heritage and natural landscape. St Patrick's Christian Heritage project will help visitors to explore the history of Christianity in Northern Ireland. The Giant’s Causeway Signature Project and the Titanic Signature Project will be completed by 2012.

"The Titanic Project will tell the history of that great liner as well as celebrating the wider story of Belfast's industrial, shipbuilding and maritime history.

"This will be a landmark development which will come on stream in time for the centenary in 2012," she continued.

"The other Signature Projects in development are the Walled City of Londonderry, one of Europe's last fully walled cities and the Mournes project will enhance the visitors' experience of this Area of Outstanding Natural beauty."

Commenting on the work of Tourism Ireland, the Minister said: "In the United States this year, Tourism Ireland is rolling out an extensive marketing campaign, with advertising lines such as, 'Some call it the 8th Wonder of the World Your ancestors called it home,' referring to the Giant’s Causeway, one of our tourism natural wonders and a major tourism attraction. These activities will concentrate on the key gateway cities and environs."

There are direct links to Northern Ireland with Continental Airlines from Newark to Belfast and there are convenient connections to Dublin and Shannon which are just a few hours drive to Northern Ireland.

Arlene Foster continued: "With ease of access, business tourism is an increasing focus for Tourism Ireland. Northern Ireland offers excellent conference, meeting and incentive travel facilities."

The Minister concluded: "Tourism can be an engine of economic regeneration and we have set tough targets for its development in our Programme for Government. We are investing heavily in tourism and we look forward to welcoming many more Americans to our shores where they can expect a truly memorable experience."

(BMcC/GK)