New Tourism Project To Boost Rural Economies

A new pilot project to help create new experiences and boost rural economies has been funded by Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

Launching the initiative, the Department's Minister, Edwin Poots was given a 'tour of tourism treats'.

Minister Poots tasted craft chocolate made at NearyNógs Chocolate Studio at the foot of the Mournes before seeing Great British Menu and Mourne Larder chef Paul Cunningham flame grill herring hosted by Brendan Carty in Killowen.

Two of 10 projects funded by DAERA's £465,000 Rural Tourism Collaborative Experiences Programme (RTCEP).

Minister Poots said: "Tourism is vitally important to our rural economy and the competitive nature of the tourism marketplace, over the next few years, cannot be underestimated.

"I'm delighted to see and sample the benefits that this funding has brought to local businesses. They have demonstrated the potential there is in this area and the breadth of the local talent we have here in Northern Ireland.

"This pilot funding project demonstrates what the funding can do to showcase rural businesses at both a local and international level, in providing unique offerings to attract visitors to these areas," he added.

The funding has allowed 10 councils to identify participants who will collaborate together to identify the uniqueness of an area and package a range of authentic local products that can be promoted as individual or combined tourism experiences.

By investing in new and improved experiences aligned to ‘Northern Ireland –Embrace a Giant Spirit', it is hoped the funding will help spread tourist traffic more evenly and create vital economic activity in rural areas.

Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Cllr Cathy Mason said: "The council received £37,500 of funding from DAERA which will help us develop a high standard of food and drink experiences to offer the visitor, increasing dwell time in the area, and thereby driving economic growth."

Minister Poots concluded: "It is clear from my visits that a spirit of collaboration is emerging in the tourism sector to jointly create visitor experiences that are accessible, bookable and compelling, offering long-term sustainability and growth to tourism in Northern Ireland. I congratulate these projects and wish them every success going forward."