HL Deb 16 October 2003 vol 653 c128WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they are taking to increase Ulster Scots cultural tourism in County Antrim. [HL4534]

Baroness Amos

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has already mainstreamed cultural tourism as a key development and marketing priority and will continue to do so in coming years. The board, in conjunction with Tourism Ireland and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, is keen to exploit opportunities that are unique to Northern Ireland and to develop a visitor experience that is based on the region's cultural and natural attributes. The NITB recognises the Ulster Scots heritage as an integral element of future tourism growth to Northern Ireland from several key markets. This is particularly true for County Antrim where the Ulster Scots tradition is especially strong.