§ Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what tourism initiatives she is undertaking in respect of(a) accommodation schemes and quality standards, (b) promoting Northern Ireland, (c) trade communication, (d) market and product intelligence and research, (e) training and (f) market access and information. [33814]
§ Mr. IngramThe Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has recently published 'A Strategy for the Development of Tourism in Northern Ireland' which contains proposals and recommendations for the future of Northern Ireland's tourism industry.
(a) NITB operates a number of programmes of selective financial assistance for developing tourist accommodation, subject to published priorities. All accommodation for sale to tourists in Northern Ireland must be certified by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
(b) During 1998–99, NITB will invest in excess of £3.3 million in the promotion of tourism. This will be supplemented by private sector marketing investment and benefits derived from joint promotional campaigns with the Irish Tourist Board.
(c) In recognition of the importance of effective trade communication, NITB has established a Marketing Advisory Group involving partners deriving tourism benefits from both the public and private sector.
(d) NITB's Research Department continually monitors key economic indicators in connection with the performance of the Northern Ireland tourism industry. It also conducts specific evaluations appropriate to the needs of industry.
(e) NITB co-ordinates a training initiative "Welcome Host" which recognises the importance of excellence in customer service not only in the core tourism industry, but in all sectors that benefit from tourism.
(f) NITB continues to work with air and sea carriers to encourage them to improve direct gateway access to Northern Ireland.
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§ Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the percentage of(a) domestic holiday makers and (b) overseas visitors to the United Kingdom who spend their holiday in Northern Ireland. [33818]
§ Mr. IngramIn 1996, it is estimated that 1.5 per cent. of all domestic holiday trips taken by UK residents were taken in Northern Ireland, and that 1.9 per cent. of all overseas holiday visitors to the UK visited Northern Ireland.