Debate contribution: All-Ireland Tourism

Debate contribution by Mr Phillip Brett on 18 June 2024.

MLA

Mr Phillip Brett

Party at the time

Democratic Unionist Party

Date

18 June 2024

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Opposition Business

Heading

All-Ireland Tourism

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 4497268

Read the official Assembly record

Text

Thank you. I was trying to squeeze in as much as Ms McLaughlin managed to get in during her five-minute contribution. I am pleased to move the amendment in my name and the names of my colleagues. Like Ms McLaughlin, I recognise the vital role that tourism plays in the economy here in Northern Ireland. There can be no underplaying of the revolutionary role that tourism has played in all communities across Northern Ireland, but we have some concerns with the Opposition motion. Central to the building of Northern Ireland's tourism brand has been the recognition that Northern Ireland has a unique offering. I think of Ms McLaughlin's home city and the Our Time Our Place and LegenDerry campaigns, both of which were unique to Northern Ireland. The motion does not recognise that and seeks to undermine the important role that we have as a stand-alone tourism offering on these islands. The Embrace a Giant Spirit campaign, which was launched by the Department in 2019, has been tested in the market, and the figures provided by the Department show that there was a 30% increase in the number of people showing an interest in visiting Northern Ireland due to our stand-alone and strong brand. We fully support practical relationships and cooperation between both jurisdictions on this island on cross-border tourism, and that includes creating cohesive messaging on either side of the border. However, that needs to be taken forward through a partnership rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. As the House will be aware, responsibility for the development of the tourism product here in Northern Ireland rests with Tourism Northern Ireland, and that needs to be the outworking of the Minister's approach. Colleagues on the Economy Committee will have read the opinions of respondents, including those from Ms McLaughlin's home city, on the tourism strategy that went out to consultation before the Minister took up office. I made the point at the Committee that all the evidence showed that there was no overwhelming demand from the sector for an all-island approach. The sector, rightly, wanted to see Tourism Ireland focusing on the market within Northern Ireland rather than Northern Ireland's being an afterthought. I encourage those who want to oppose our amendment to read the responses of those involved in the tourism sector here in Northern Ireland, because they reflect —.

I understand the unique case that you make. However, the point that I will continue to make is that Northern Ireland has a great tourism brand and any attempt to dilute that would simply undermine tourism right across Northern Ireland. I will turn quickly to the ETA. I think that parties are united on the issue. However, an important thing to remember is that the European Union will introduce its own ETA scheme as well. I am sure that the Member will want to contact the European Union to tell it not to introduce that scheme. I know that her party leader continues to try to stop Brexit; maybe he could try to push this issue. What we need in this is a collaborative approach and the Executive and Assembly speaking with one voice. I am sure that, in summing up, she will make it clear that the alternative to the ETA here in Northern Ireland is to not have one in the United Kingdom. When the Minister responds to the debate, I would be keen for him to update the House on a number of issues. One relates to the air connectivity review that his Department commissioned. I think that findings have come back to his Department. Air connectivity into Northern Ireland's three airports will continue to be a major source of tourism. We need to continue to build on that. I think that the Minister is looking at the terms of reference of the partnership board and whom he wishes to appoint to it. I am sure that the House would welcome an update on that. My party would highlight the vital role that tourism from GB plays here in Northern Ireland. Tourists from GB are the single biggest group of visitors who choose Northern Ireland as a destination. The motion does not recognise that. There is more to be done to build on that, so all Members should support the amendment.

714 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Not flagged

Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 10:38 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

Disagree with this assessment?

Classifications can be challenged. A person reads every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.

Challenge this classification