Justification for Tourism Policy - Economic and Environmental Benefits

Tourism is inextricably linked to the cultural life of the city and contributes to the prosperity of the local economy and the wider region. The special characteristics of clusters of visitor attractions, and the diversity of heritage, environmental and cultural infrastructure offers a wide choice of experiences for visitors, which should be conserved, and enhanced to maintain their appeal as a quality destination. The tourism industry has been successful in responding to changing markets, tastes and styles, resulting in nearly a decade of steady growth in visitor numbers, and investment in its tourism product. To remain competitive as a short city tourist destination, Belfast needs to develop unique visitor attractions and experiences to support the council's aim to grow the tourism sector in the city. A well-planned, sustainable and prosperous tourism industry is a catalyst for improving the environment of the city, the wellbeing of its citizens and boosting the local economy. The council's integrated tourism strategy highlights the real potential for growth to build a critical mass of activity, to increase the economic value of the visitor economy. New tourism proposals shall be of the highest standard, and shall accord with the council's integrated tourism strategy vision for strengthening the city's tourism industry. New development proposals for tourism, leisure and culture schemes and associated infrastructure are to be supported to build up a critical mass of activity to attract visitors all year round. The policy shall support the sustainable mixed use regeneration of the city centre as a compact walkable place that is attractive for promoting short stay city tourism as well as being accessible to the public.