§ 20. Mr. ViggersTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many tourist visitors there were to Northern Ireland in each of the last three years. [11987|
§ Mr. AncramIn 1994, 1.29 million visitors came to Northern Ireland, an increase of 3 per cent. on 1993 levels. In 1995 record levels were achieved with 1.56 million visitors, a 20 per cent. increase on 1994. Estimates for 1996 suggest that the number of visitors has fallen by 6 per cent. on 1995 to 1.46 million. Encouragingly, the figures remain above 1994 pre-ceasefire levels.
§ 25. Miss Hoey:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to increase the number of tourists visiting Northern Ireland in 1997. [11992]
§ Mr. AncramThe Northern Ireland tourist board is continuing to market Northern Ireland vigorously in all key markets, on a stand-alone basis, as part of the new Tourism Brand Ireland campaign and in co-operation with the British Tourist Authority. The board continues to support private sector infrastructure investment to meet tourist needs.