29/07/2002

Minister meets new tourism body

Trade minister Sir Reg Empey has met with the newly formed Northern Ireland Tourist Industry Confederation (NITIC).

The NITIC is designed to strengthen the tourism sector and lists among its aims the goal of becoming the focal point for the views of businesses involved in the development of tourism.

After the consultation, Sir Reg said: “Tourism is an industry which has many shapes and forms. Family businesses, employing just one or two people, to large companies in some cases employing several hundred staff in entertainment complexes are all part of the tourism industry mix.

“However, what they all have in common is that they have invested time, money and determination in a belief that tourism, given the correct conditions, can create revenue and jobs for the Northern Ireland economy.

“If government is to be responsive to businesses involved in tourism then we need an industry voice which articulates clearly its needs and the NITIC has the potential to meet this remit."

He added: “My department, the NITB, Invest NI and Tourism Ireland Limited look forward to working with this body and gaining sound insider views on how we can all make the tourism industry stronger.”

NITIC’s meeting with the Minister included discussion on strategies to maximise tourism in the north, the importance of good transport routes for visitors into the region and the impact of the euro on the tourism industry.

Representatives of the Northern Ireland Tourist Industry Confederation who met with the Minister included: Denis Galway, Port of Larne and P&O Irish Sea; John Mooney, NI Hotels Federation; Gerry Lennon, Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau; and Albert Harrison, Belfast International Airport.

(MB)

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