AQW 7723/22-27

Mr Phillip Brett
Democratic Unionist Party
North Belfast

Tabled Date: 28/02/2024
Answered On Date: 11/03/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy what financial support his Department can provide to community-based tourism providers in North Belfast.

Answer:

Tourism NI has in the past operated capital programmes to create new or enhance existing visitor attractions and amenities. There are no capital programmes open at present, however Tourism NI is exploring options and investment opportunities for future years, budget permitting.

Tourism NI can add contact details of any community-based tourism provider in North Belfast to its mailing list if the named contact provides an email to tds@tourismni.com. When a new funding programme is being launched, they will then be notified automatically.

Tourism NI’s Industry Development department supports businesses across the sector, including the community sector, to be more innovative, sustainable and inclusive. It monitors and evaluates industry performance and provides tailored support based on identified areas for improvement and growth. This team also leads on industry-wide issues including skills and career development and runs in-person and online seminars and webinars. In February 2024, Tourism NI launched MyTourismNI, a dedicated innovative E-Learning platform specially developed to support the local Tourism Industry to build expertise, knowledge, competence and confidence. It is free to access, and the tourism industry can choose from a range of learning modules, covering business-critical topics such as Sales and Marketing, Digital Sustainability, People and Operational Effectiveness. Businesses and community based tourism providers, including those located in North Belfast, can sign-up to www.tourismni.com to receive regular and targeted events, news and updates.

Tourism NI is providing input and advice to Belfast City Council on a new council-led £350k Neighbourhood Tourism Investment Programme which will run over the next 18 months and will be of particular interest to community-based tourism providers in North Belfast.