AQW 14833/22-27

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 11/09/2024
Answered On Date: 18/09/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail his Department's plans to enhance tourism links with the United States of America ahead of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.

Answer:

Tourism Ireland is responsible for promoting the island of Ireland overseas as a holiday and Business Events destination and undertakes marketing campaigns in key source markets for tourism. They have 16 offices overseas and have two office in the United States, New York and San Francisco.

Two Tourism Ireland staff members are members of the United States/Northern Ireland Cultural Working Group that was set up this summer. Tourism Ireland’s Head of North America made a presentation at a meeting this summer, outlining potential tourism opportunities to leverage the 250th anniversary of the signing of the US Declaration of Independence. Future meetings will be attended by Tourism Ireland.

Tourism Ireland’s Chief Executive and Head of Stakeholder Engagement recently visited Hillsborough Castle, which has a particular connection with, and stories to tell about, the United States’ moment of independence. Tourism Ireland will leverage these connections and other opportunities to celebrate the anniversary.