A North Coast based MLA has written to the Minister for the Economy, Diane Dodds MLA, calling for more help for tourism bodies to sell Northern Ireland PLC to residents.
Maurice Bradley MLA says now is the time for the Department for the Economy to get to work on marketing strategies in conjunction with tourism bodies and local Councils so that this year’s staycation culture isn’t just a one-off for Summer 2020.
Bradley’s comments come as record numbers of visitors have been enjoying the North Coast over the past six weeks: “I think more and more people have realised what we have right on our doorsteps,“he said.
“Many have told me that they did not miss their foreign holidays and that they felt safer holidaying in Northern Ireland.
“I have also been in touch with local businesses who are delighted with trade this past few months. They have told me that they are pleased with how visitors have adapted to changes in light of Covid-19 restrictions.
“I know that many businesses within East Londonderry have had to pull back on offerings and limit numbers in order to meet covid-19 restrictions, but they are still happy with how things have gone.
“I just feel that now is the time for our Councils and tourism bodies to be given a helping hand to market our tourist areas – we can’t allow the ‘staycation’ buzzword of Summer 2020 to be a one-off. “
