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21/06/2002
Tourism in a 'straitjacket' if violence continues
The Enterprise Minister Sir Reg Empey has said the greatest obstacle to the growth of an exuberant tourist industry in Northern Ireland is the images of violent street disorder beamed all across the world.
Addressing the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau’s AGM this morning Sir Reg Empey said only peace could deliver the goods.
“We need peace, real peace, for without it tourism is left in a crippling straitjacket, limiting its scope and denying it opportunities,” he said.
The minister’s comments come in the wake of some of the worst rioting seen in east and north Belfast in some years.
Sir Reg Empey also outlined his Department’s vision for tourism for the next three years.
Numbers visiting Northern Ireland must increase by 25%; spending by visitors must also rise by 9% each year to 2004, from £282 million to £363 million; and the numbers of international visitors crossing the border from the south of Ireland must increase.
“Action is underway to turn this dream into a reality,” Sir Reg Empey said today. “Within its Programme for Government, the Executive has recognised the importance of tourism to the Northern Ireland economy. New structures have been put in place so that we are better placed to respond to visitor needs.
“Tourism Ireland Ltd, the all-island tourism marketing company has been set up. Invest NI has taken on the responsibility of providing grant assistance for tourism accommodation projects and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board has been re-organised and has a new executive team in place.”
“But none of this can be achieved if the ‘open for business’ sign is not up all the year round. The greatest impediment to the creation of a vibrant and growing tourist industry is street disorder, television clips of which are shown, within minutes, around the world.
“Northern Ireland tourism has enormous potential and offers the prospect of real economic benefits for all sections of our community.
“Success is now within our grasp and we must ensure it is delivered,” the Minister concluded.
(AMcE)
Addressing the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau’s AGM this morning Sir Reg Empey said only peace could deliver the goods.
“We need peace, real peace, for without it tourism is left in a crippling straitjacket, limiting its scope and denying it opportunities,” he said.
The minister’s comments come in the wake of some of the worst rioting seen in east and north Belfast in some years.
Sir Reg Empey also outlined his Department’s vision for tourism for the next three years.
Numbers visiting Northern Ireland must increase by 25%; spending by visitors must also rise by 9% each year to 2004, from £282 million to £363 million; and the numbers of international visitors crossing the border from the south of Ireland must increase.
“Action is underway to turn this dream into a reality,” Sir Reg Empey said today. “Within its Programme for Government, the Executive has recognised the importance of tourism to the Northern Ireland economy. New structures have been put in place so that we are better placed to respond to visitor needs.
“Tourism Ireland Ltd, the all-island tourism marketing company has been set up. Invest NI has taken on the responsibility of providing grant assistance for tourism accommodation projects and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board has been re-organised and has a new executive team in place.”
“But none of this can be achieved if the ‘open for business’ sign is not up all the year round. The greatest impediment to the creation of a vibrant and growing tourist industry is street disorder, television clips of which are shown, within minutes, around the world.
“Northern Ireland tourism has enormous potential and offers the prospect of real economic benefits for all sections of our community.
“Success is now within our grasp and we must ensure it is delivered,” the Minister concluded.
(AMcE)
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