HC Deb 26 November 1997 vol 301 cc580-1W
Ian Bruce

22. Mr. To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on current trends in tourism in Northern Ireland. [16253]

Mr. Ingram

During 1995, a record 1.56 million visitors came to Northern Ireland. In 1996, following the ceasefire breakdown, visitor numbers fell to 1.44 million, an 8 per cent. decline on 1995, encouragingly remaining above pre-ceasefire levels. Current estimates for 1997 suggest the possibility of a further 1 per cent. decline, falling to around 1.4 million visitors.