Hospitality Ulster CEO comments on latest Tourism statistics

27 July 2018

"These latest statistics once again show that tourism is continuing to work for Northern Ireland and is a key driver of the overall economy"

"Northern Ireland is firmly establishing itself as a premier tourist destination around the world and our hospitality sector, our pubs, restaurants and hotels, are a central reason for that.

However when we look at the statistics we see that while Belfast, the Causeway Coast and Glens and Newry & Mourne are proving extremely popular with tourists, lots of other parts of the province are not sharing in that prosperity.

We need a joined-up tourist strategy that publicises and promotes all of Northern Ireland, spreading tourists across the entire region. With our scenery and history we have a wonderful tourist offering and it is vital that we have a strategy that reflects that.

Such a strategy would support communities across the whole of NI and ensure that our publicans, hoteliers and restauranteurs, who are often at the heart of their communities, are better supported."