New five-year plan to boost Glens area tourism

BOOSTING tourism income to £600 million and tourism-related jobs to 7500 are some of the key targets for the new Causeway Coast and Glens Tourism Area Plan 2012-2017.

Launched by Causeway Coast and Glens Tourism Partnership and Tourism Minister Arlene Foster, the plan sets out the tourism ambitions for Causeway Coast and Glens for the next five years.

The plan incorporates an extensive range of actions across seven key themes including new technology, partnerships with the private sector, development of the landscape and building the image of the region. The funding for the plan is underpinned by some £24 million of investment from local councils, supported by the private sector and a range of government agencies.

Mrs Foster said: “The wonderful spectacle and tremendous success of the Irish Open in Portrush clearly demonstrates how tourism can contribute hugely both to the economy and the quality of life in Northern Ireland, and that it is why it is positioned at the very core of our Economic Strategy.

“A great deal of work has been carried out to involve local stakeholders and communities and this plan is the result of a sustained team effort across the industry and across local and central government. If that partnership working continues throughout the delivery of the plan, I am confident that it will bring much benefit to the businesses and communities in the area and further reasons for more people to visit this very special part of the world.”