Minister opens door to tourism centre in Kilkeel

Opening the new Tourist Information Centre (TIC) in Kilkeel, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Sir Reg Empey said tourism had the potential to be a key feature in the economic growth and regeneration of Northern Ireland.

The Minister said: “Collectively, we have to continue to work to put an end to the negative aspects which for decades have prevented Northern Ireland, and in particular the tourism industry, from achieving its objectives.

“Progress is being made in developing the tourist industry. More facilities for tourists are being developed, visitor number are rising and now through the vehicle of Tourism Ireland Ltd, Northern Ireland’s reach in the marketplace has increased.

“In addition, government is investing significant resources in new technology, to ensure that Northern Ireland’s tourist industry is prepared for new visitor expectations in areas such as online accommodation booking.

“However getting visitors to Northern Ireland is only one part of the equation. Keeping them here and sending them away happy is the other.

Tourist Information Centres, such as the new TIC in Kilkeel, have a key part to play in delivering first class information facilities.”

The new TIC in Kilkeel, which has been developed by Kilkeel Development Association, is the only one in Northern Ireland run by a Community Development Association.

In conclusion the Minister paid tribute to the Association, which over the past five years has addressed economic decline in the area by attracting over £4 million investment for a wide range of projects. The new TIC is the Association’s latest project and is located in Bridge Street in the town centre.

The Kilkeel Development Association was formed in 1997 to address the economic and physical decline of the Kilkeel urban area and has facilitated the attraction of over £4 million into the area for a wide range of projects.

(MB)