Other News In Brief

Public Invited To Inform New 10-Year Draft Tourism Plan

Belfast City Council has launched a 12 week consultation on a new draft 10-year tourism plan, inviting people, locally and globally, to 'make yourself at home'.

The draft document sets out a blueprint for the future of tourism in Belfast, highlighting the importance of tourism and global connectivity to our economic and social wellbeing.

It also recognises the significant contribution and success to date of the 'traditional' tourism sector and the role of businesses and local communities in helping to curate the city's cultural offering – and of their crucial role in recovery post-Covid.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Kate Nicholl said: "This plan has evolved from our cultural strategy which sets out the need to develop a sustainable and authentic tourism offering. While we look to other cites for inspiration, we want to celebrate our city for all that it is – our quirks, our complex history, our increasingly rich diversity, not to mention our people and our stories.

"This is what people connect with and we firmly believe that the success of our visitor economy will be defined by these stories. People are our most valuable asset - they make our city, and Belfast is known across the world for its warm welcome; now we're opening our doors and inviting to people to come and make themselves at home."

The draft plan has been aligned to Council's cultural strategy, recognising the importance of a thriving and varied cultural scene to attracting and growing tourism, which in turn leads to job creation within the local economy.

"This inclusive growth is crucial to our city's recovery post-Covid and our future resilience, and the tourism sector has huge potential to grow," added Councillor Nicholl.

"I would encourage everyone to have their say, especially those within our local tourism sector – we want to hear from as many people as possible and this is an important opportunity to help shape our future city."

Green Party Visit Historic Donaghadee Lifeboat

Green Party NI representatives have met with members of the Donaghadee Heritage Preservation Company at the famous Sir Samuel Kelly lifeboat.

Following the visit, North Down MLA Rachel Woods said: "The lifeboat is a fantastic and important piece of local history and heritage and I was privileged to have been able to see it in the middle of its restoration process. I wish to thank the volunteers and all those involved in this project for their dedication and hard work. I will be engaging with the Communities Minister to see what support her Department can give. I thank Kit, Alan and Shirley for their time."

Donaghadee rep Ciara Henry added: "It is great to see this project coming together and I hope that the local Council, as well as other government Departments see the incredible value of the group's plans. Not only would their plans provide a permanent home for the boat, but also be important for local tourism and for young people's education about maritime history."

Alliance Secure More Transparency For Belfast City Council Funding

The Alliance Party has secured a new open and transparent process for how local organisations are funded by Belfast City Council.

Speaking after the latest Strategic, Policy and Resources meeting, Councillor Nuala McAllister said the new Neighbourhood renewal fund would be a fair way to support all local people, after Alliance fought back against a long period of funding carve ups.

She added: "This is a success over closed door politics in City Hall. The DUP and Sinn Féin must now accept the days of funding carve ups are over.

"The Alliance Party has consistently fought for greater openness and transparency at City Hall, taking this issue directly to the Audit Office to ensure all decisions at City Hall are based on fairness.

"The Neighbourhood renewal fund will see opportunities for funding for capital projects over £250,000 earmarked for local organisations and will be allocated through a new process that will help many who had been overlooked before.

"Belfast City Council will announce the opening of the application process following December's meeting of Council and it is important organisations engage with the Council to maximise their opportunity for success.

"Alliance will always stand for openness and transparency and we are delighted to see this outcome today."