Tourism

Oral Answers to Questions — Northern Ireland – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 15 Mawrth 2017.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Tom Pursglove Tom Pursglove Ceidwadwyr, Corby 12:00, 15 Mawrth 2017

What steps his Department is taking to promote tourism in Northern Ireland.

Photo of Kris Hopkins Kris Hopkins Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Northern Ireland Office)

The Government will continue to use every possible opportunity to promote Northern Ireland as a world-class tourist destination.

Photo of Tom Pursglove Tom Pursglove Ceidwadwyr, Corby

Tourism in Northern Ireland apparently generates a revenue of £764 million and attracts 4.5 million visitors a year. In the light of Brexit, what steps will be taken in partnership to ensure that even further tourist growth is delivered?

Photo of Kris Hopkins Kris Hopkins Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Northern Ireland Office)

We have a commitment to an industrial strategy, engagement with all sectors in Northern Ireland, and additional funding of some £600 million a year for the GREAT Britain campaign.

Photo of Alasdair McDonnell Alasdair McDonnell Social Democratic and Labour Party, Belfast South

Does the Secretary of State accept that tourism has the potential to make an even more significant contribution to the Northern Ireland economy, particularly in deprived rural areas? Will he take steps to ensure that adequate resources are invested in the Northern Ireland tourist board and in Tourism Ireland to ensure that we have a product and that we market it?

Photo of Kris Hopkins Kris Hopkins Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Northern Ireland Office)

Just last week, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor committed additional money to funding in Northern Ireland. There is a responsibility to get the Executive back to offer leadership in this matter. I urge every Member in this House to visit Northern Ireland—take a weekend break—as it is an amazing place to visit.