AQW 53878/11-16


Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry


Tabled Date: 04/02/2016
Answered On Date: 19/02/2016
Priority Written: Yes


Question:
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline the rationale behind the choice of areas to host six regional consultation workshops for the development of a tourism strategy to 2025; and how he will ensure that local stakeholders in the (i) Portstewart; (ii) Portrush; (iii) Dunluce; (iv) Portballintrae; (v) Castlerock; and (vi) Magilligan areas will have the opportunity for input to the new strategy.


Answer:
Given the importance of tourism as a key driver of the local economy, I want to offer the opportunity of regional discussions with stakeholders to inform the development of a new strategy for the sector. However, there are a limited number of workshops which can be accommodated and, therefore, decisions have had to be made on locations to optimise attendance as far as possible.
In choosing the locations for the consultation events my officials tried to ensure, as far as possible, a geographical spread across Northern Ireland in an effort to keep the distance participants would have to travel to a minimum. The relative density of tourism activity across Northern Ireland was also considered in order to maximise attendance.
The number and locations of workshops was limited by budget considerations and the availability of suitable venues which could accommodate the numbers expected. There are no plans to organise any further workshops.
The workshop held at The Hedges Hotel, Ballymoney on the 4th February was a successful event and was very well received by the 50 plus participants who attended from across the Causeway Coast and Glens region. Stakeholders on the North Coast will also be able to avail of the forthcoming workshop to be held on 23 February at The Playhouse Theatre, Londonderry.
I am very keen to hear from all those with an interest in tourism right across Northern Ireland and would encourage as many people as possible to attend these events. If anyone is unable to attend one of the workshops, the workshop material will be available online and my Department would be very happy to take comments in writing.