07/03/2003
Minister commends local tourism industry
NIO Trade Minister Ian Pearson has commended the strength and resilience of the Northern Ireland tourism industry.
Speaking to over 380 members of the industry at the silver anniversary of the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards held in the Ramada Hotel, Mr Pearson said: “By strengthening the indigenous tourism industry, we strengthen the whole of the Northern Ireland economy. “Since my arrival I have been very impressed by beautiful, unspoiled scenery and the warmth and friendliness of the people, confirmation, if any is needed, that people, place and pace are Northern Ireland’s unique and valuable strengths which should be capitalised on. The region has an abundance of natural assets which if developed properly will increase visitor numbers and revenue.”
Indicating that tourism was predicted to grow to around 1.8 million for 2002 - an increase of 7% compared to 2001 - the Minister emphasised that that in spite of what he described as the “world-shattering events” of recent years and recent international tensions, the potential remained for tourism to generate economic growth.
He said: “Tourism can bring economic benefits to all areas - urban and rural. Indeed in many parts of Northern Ireland tourism is the lifeblood of the community. New jobs could be created across Northern Ireland – many of these would be in new TSN areas and areas of natural beauty where other job opportunities are difficult to create. However, it is essential that tourism must be an environmentally, economically and socially sustainable activity.”
Commending the winners, the Minister said: “This is an exciting and challenging time for all involved in the tourism industry. My vision is for a dynamic and thriving tourism sector in Northern Ireland.”
Mr Pearson said that a main priority of the NITB, particularly relevant this year in light of developments internationally, was the marketing of the Northern Ireland to the home market and the residents of the Republic of Ireland.
(SP)
Speaking to over 380 members of the industry at the silver anniversary of the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards held in the Ramada Hotel, Mr Pearson said: “By strengthening the indigenous tourism industry, we strengthen the whole of the Northern Ireland economy. “Since my arrival I have been very impressed by beautiful, unspoiled scenery and the warmth and friendliness of the people, confirmation, if any is needed, that people, place and pace are Northern Ireland’s unique and valuable strengths which should be capitalised on. The region has an abundance of natural assets which if developed properly will increase visitor numbers and revenue.”
Indicating that tourism was predicted to grow to around 1.8 million for 2002 - an increase of 7% compared to 2001 - the Minister emphasised that that in spite of what he described as the “world-shattering events” of recent years and recent international tensions, the potential remained for tourism to generate economic growth.
He said: “Tourism can bring economic benefits to all areas - urban and rural. Indeed in many parts of Northern Ireland tourism is the lifeblood of the community. New jobs could be created across Northern Ireland – many of these would be in new TSN areas and areas of natural beauty where other job opportunities are difficult to create. However, it is essential that tourism must be an environmentally, economically and socially sustainable activity.”
Commending the winners, the Minister said: “This is an exciting and challenging time for all involved in the tourism industry. My vision is for a dynamic and thriving tourism sector in Northern Ireland.”
Mr Pearson said that a main priority of the NITB, particularly relevant this year in light of developments internationally, was the marketing of the Northern Ireland to the home market and the residents of the Republic of Ireland.
(SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.