Northern Ireland people who holiday at home this year are not only helping themselves to a great time, but are contributing in excess of £60 million to the local economy the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment Sir Reg Empey has said.

The Minister’s comments came today at the launch of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) and Tesco’s promotion aimed at encouraging local shoppers to take a break in Northern Ireland this year.

The joint promotion campaign, which is now in its second year running, will see the mass distribution of the NITB Breakaway’s brochure in all 33 of Tesco’s stores across the province from 20 May.

The Minister said: “This is a great campaign as it encourages local people to rediscover the beauty of Northern Ireland.

“Nationally and internationally, the region’s qualities as a tourist destination are gaining recognition, with award winning accommodation and restaurants, and this year Northern Ireland was voted International Golf Destination of the Year.

“There are more and more reasons for people to enjoy Northern Ireland. Forthcoming events include the Northern Ireland Grand Prix – on water as power boats take to the waters of North Down in July and going further afield there is the chance to immerse yourself in Celtic Music at the Fiddler’s Green Festival in Rostrevor.”

Last year visitors to Northern Ireland contributed £265 million to the economy, with visitor revenue increasing in real terms by 4 per cent.

The minister added: “My Department, our colleagues in the NITB and people involved in the industry across Northern Ireland are all working hard to maximise the enormous potential for tourism in Northern Ireland. And in the past month we have seen visiting journalists from as far afield as New Zealand, Switzerland, Finland and the US, here to experience the warmth of the welcome and quality of a holiday in Northern Ireland.”

(AMcE)