Tourism as Economic Driver and Development Opportunity

Through utilising existing environmental, historical, cultural and geographic assets, tourism can be a key economic driver capable of stimulating further growth and development opportunities. This has been recognised by government through investment in various Tourism Signature Projects throughout Northern Ireland. Tourism can also benefit the assets on which it depends for example through assisting in the financing of conservation or enhancement initiatives. In towns and cities tourism can contribute positively to urban regeneration. In rural areas tourism is important to the development of the rural economy and offers, for example, opportunities for farm diversification to supplement farm incomes or for broader rural diversification capable of providing employment. Tourism also has the potential to contribute to meeting broader government commitments aimed at relieving poverty and enhancing social inclusion and cohesion in areas subject to problems of this type.