AQW 10727/22-27

Miss Michelle McIlveen
Democratic Unionist Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 23/04/2024
Answered On Date: 03/05/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on what his Department is doing to support neighbourhood tourism.

Answer:

In November 2023, my Department published a draft 10 Year Plan for Tourism in the North. Neighbourhood tourism, sometimes known as community tourism, supports several key themes in this plan and my priority to promote regional balance across the North.

There are a wide range of actions being undertaken by Tourism NI (TNI) to deliver against this theme. For instance, long-term funding has been provided to the Mourne and Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trusts to undertake community tourism activities in their areas.

Collaboration with Councils and other tourism partners underpins much of this work. As part of TNI’s Service Level Agreement with Visit Belfast, for example, a series of activities are being delivered to encourage visitors to explore the City’s neighbourhoods more fully, thereby extending stays and spreading the benefits of tourism.

The Strangford Lough tourism cluster is also a notable example of community tourism. Initially funded by Invest NI, the cluster has brought together local community representatives, tourism businesses and other agencies to develop the visitor product and drive additional visits and spend in the area. TNI is working with Councils and other stakeholders to explore how the cluster can continue to help the area flourish as a sustainable destination.

I anticipate that neighbourhood tourism will be a key topic for discussion and joint action at the new Tourism Partnership Board which I announced at TNI’s flagship conference earlier this month.