13/10/2004

Summer tourism figures set to show increase

Northern Ireland’s summer tourism figures look set to show a 5% increase compared with last year, early indications show.

Speaking at a meeting with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) last night, Enterprise Minister Barry Gardiner said last year's record 1,950,000 visitors to Northern Ireland, generated £291 million for the local economy.

“Early figures, and feedback from accommodation providers and tourist information centres, point to a 5% rise in visitor numbers during the first six months of 2004,” Mr Gardiner said.

“This is very good news indeed, and highlights the steady growth of tourism in Northern Ireland in recent years."

Mr Gardiner said the NITB’s Strategic Framework for Action would drive forward the tourism agenda over the next three years, delivering on the winning themes and the various signature projects.

“The ongoing development of enhanced air services, particularly last week’s announcement of a direct air route between Belfast and New York, should also help us realise the industry’s full potential,” he added.

(MB/GMCG)

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