Harry Cullen, spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Conservatives, has urged a positive attitude to Northern Ireland’s Signature Projects, which he says can make Northern Ireland “stand out in a competitive international tourism market”.
“The Audit Office has raised concerns about governance and processes where these projects are concerned”, Harry noted. “The Auditor General’s report should be studied closely and where there are issues, they certainly must be addressed.”
“What we shouldn’t do, is talk down the potential of the excellent tourism product we have in Northern Ireland or the critical role which Signature Projects like the Titanic Building and the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre can play. For far too long we’ve suffered from a lack of confidence and ambition where tourism is concerned and the stunning natural landscape and famous hospitality which bring tourists to Northern Ireland have often been let down by a shortage of world class visitor facilities.”
“The Signature Projects look likely to help plug that deficit. These are the types of attractions which can draw visitors to our shores and stimulate trade for hotels, restaurants, shops and bars. By all means, let’s learn lessons and do things better the next time. This report does give the NITB cause to look seriously at its performance.”
“Let’s not fall into the trap of talking down new, world class facilities, before they have even opened. The opportunity has been seized to build the kind of tourist infrastructure which the industry sorely needs. Let’s get out and sell that excellent product and bring the world to Northern Ireland to enjoy our beautiful country, from the Lakelands of Fermanagh to the stunning Causeway Coast.”