HL Deb 12 July 2004 vol 663 cc117-8WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government: Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 22 June (WA 115), why Tourism Ireland has not promoted and supported Loyal Order parades in Ulster as tourist attractions; and what steps it is now taking to do so.

Baroness Amos:

Tourism Ireland Limited carries out strategic all-Ireland destination marketing in all markets outside the island of Ireland.

Responsibility for promoting and marketing detailed listings of tourist attractions in Northern Ireland lies with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) and in the Republic of Ireland it falls to Failte Ireland. NITB maintains a database record of the major Loyal Order parades and ensures these are published on its consumer website.

I also refer the noble Lord to my Answer for HL3439.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government: Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 22 June (WA 115), concerning the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, why the only Loyal Order parade listed in the annual events listing brochure for 2004 was the Maiden City Festival. [HL3439]

Baroness Amos:

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) maintains a database record of the major Loyal Order parades and ensures these are published on its consumer website.

NITB has recently met with the Grand Orange Lodge to examine ways to work with it to increase the promotion of the 12 July parades.