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06/04/2004
Gardiner welcomes EU tourism delegates to NI
In his first official engagement since becoming Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Barry Gardiner last night welcomed tourism officials and media from across the EU to Northern Ireland as part of a two-day ‘showcase’ of Northern Ireland’s tourism industry.
Mr Gardiner jointly hosted an evening reception at the Belfast Hilton Hotel for the delegation with his Irish counterpart, John O’Donoghue TD, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism.
The delegation earlier attended a conference in Dublin on competitiveness and sustainability of the tourism sector in the EU, held as part of Ireland’s 2004 Presidency of the EU.
At the Belfast event, both Ministers pointed to the significant benefits to be gained through mutual co-operation on tourism.
Mr Gardiner said: “On my first day in this job, I am already aware of the vital importance of tourism for Northern Ireland. It can transform an entire economy and bring many benefits to rural and disadvantaged areas, where opportunities for economic development are limited.
“I have been very impressed by the figures, which show that Northern Ireland is fast being recognised as a place to visit and enjoy. Last year visitor numbers were up by 11%, holiday visitors up by 15% and revenue in real terms was up by 4%. Northern Ireland had a total of 1.950 million visits in 2003, up 12% from 2002. The number of visitors from Europe increased from 110,000 in 2002 to 115,000 in 2003.
“I realise these results are due in no small part to the strong partnership between the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Tourism Ireland Ltd, and I look forward to working together with them to help deliver tourism potential into tourism reality."
Over 30 EU Delegates attended the reception in Belfast hosted by Mr Gardiner, and Mr O’Donoghue, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism.
On Tuesday morning the delegates will be given a breakfast briefing by Alan Clarke, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, and Paul O’Toole, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland Limited.
Following the briefing session delegates will be provided with a coach tour of Belfast followed by a visit to the Downpatrick Visitors’ Centre and the Mournes Heritage Trust.
(MB)
Mr Gardiner jointly hosted an evening reception at the Belfast Hilton Hotel for the delegation with his Irish counterpart, John O’Donoghue TD, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism.
The delegation earlier attended a conference in Dublin on competitiveness and sustainability of the tourism sector in the EU, held as part of Ireland’s 2004 Presidency of the EU.
At the Belfast event, both Ministers pointed to the significant benefits to be gained through mutual co-operation on tourism.
Mr Gardiner said: “On my first day in this job, I am already aware of the vital importance of tourism for Northern Ireland. It can transform an entire economy and bring many benefits to rural and disadvantaged areas, where opportunities for economic development are limited.
“I have been very impressed by the figures, which show that Northern Ireland is fast being recognised as a place to visit and enjoy. Last year visitor numbers were up by 11%, holiday visitors up by 15% and revenue in real terms was up by 4%. Northern Ireland had a total of 1.950 million visits in 2003, up 12% from 2002. The number of visitors from Europe increased from 110,000 in 2002 to 115,000 in 2003.
“I realise these results are due in no small part to the strong partnership between the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Tourism Ireland Ltd, and I look forward to working together with them to help deliver tourism potential into tourism reality."
Over 30 EU Delegates attended the reception in Belfast hosted by Mr Gardiner, and Mr O’Donoghue, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism.
On Tuesday morning the delegates will be given a breakfast briefing by Alan Clarke, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, and Paul O’Toole, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland Limited.
Following the briefing session delegates will be provided with a coach tour of Belfast followed by a visit to the Downpatrick Visitors’ Centre and the Mournes Heritage Trust.
(MB)
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