AQW 9681/22-27

Mr Alan Chambers
Ulster Unionist Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 09/04/2024
Answered On Date: 15/04/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy whether any Northern Ireland tourism initiatives were discussed during the ministerial visit to the United States of America in March 2024.

Answer:

I addressed a roundtable business breakfast in New York, organised by Tourism Ireland on 12 March 2024, attended by 20 key travel trade partners (including tour operators and airline contacts). Programming and selling the North as a must-see destination as part of a wider island of Ireland vacation package was the key topic of discussion, with trade partners agreeing that there is significant potential to grow their tourism business here. Discussions also involved upcoming signature events which might attract US visitors, including The Open taking place at Royal Portrush in 2025.