21/10/2004

Gardiner looks to continuing tourism growth

Enterprise Minister Barry Gardiner has emphasised the key role Londonderry is playing in achieving a record year for tourism in Northern Ireland.

Speaking at a meeting of the Tourism Strategy Forum (TSF), which was held in the city for the first time, Mr Gardiner said that after last year’s record number of visitors to Northern Ireland, early indications were that visitor numbers this year, would top the two million mark.

“The north west is playing a key role in helping ensure we reach this milestone,” the Minister said.

“The Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau witnessed a 17% increase in visitors using its facilities this year, and July saw a 29% increase in courier enquiries, compared to last year.

“The new direct air routes between City of Derry airport and Manchester and Birmingham, secured as a result of government’s Air Route Development Scheme, are also contributing to the encouraging, continued growth in tourism in the city and across Northern Ireland.”

The Tourism Strategy Forum draws together government and industry interests with the aim of ensuring the delivery of key priorities and actions for tourism in Northern Ireland. Membership of the Forum includes the principal tourism players from the public and private sectors.

(MB/GMCG)

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