§ Mr. KilfedderTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is now able to announce the result of the review of tourism policy in Northern Ireland which was commissioned in October.
§ Mr. ViggersFollowing the recent review, a statement of the Government's proposals for tourism is being published today, and copies of the document "Tourism in Northern Ireland—A View to the Future" are available in the House of Commons Library.
The review concludes that tourism in Northern Ireland has not prospered in line with its opportunities. One feature of difficulty in the promotion of tourism in Northern Ireland is its image, but that does not reflect the full picture, and should not prevent the implementation of change in the marketing of the product.
The Government intend to create a body which will have responsibility for both marketing and product development, bringing together the present promotional role of the Northern Ireland tourist board, and the grant-aiding functions of the Department of Economic Development.
Implementation of the proposed changes will require legislation in due course.