Foster Opens New Tourist Board Office In Dublin

The office, now based in the Dublin Tourism Centre on Suffolk Street in the city center, is more accessible to both international and domestic visitors as well as local residents who wish to find out more about visiting the North.

Opening the new offices, Ms Foster said: "The new office which has moved city centre locations from Nassau Street to Dublin Tourism Centre on Suffolk Street, will facilitate a huge rise in the number of visitors gaining access to information on Northern Ireland.

"While Nassau Street welcomed around 14,500 visitors per year, the new location at Dublin Tourism Centre will allow NITB to sell tourism in Northern Ireland to almost one million local and international visitors who use the centre each year.

"The new NITB office in Dublin, which is a gateway city for tourists, will give us greater access to significantly more potential visitors who wish to add Northern Ireland to their holiday itinerary."

Outlining ongoing work by NITB to highlight the North's appeal to potential visitors, the Minister said: "NITB has also carried out innovative marketing campaigns to promote the wide range of places to visit and things to do in Northern Ireland.

"From the world famous Giant's Causeway to the Mourne Mountains and the Fermanagh Lakelands, we have an abundance of stunning scenery and rich heritage.

"Add to that our vibrant towns and cities, with buzzing nightlife, café culture and excellent shopping, Northern Ireland really is a destination with something for everyone."

Howard Hastings, Chairman of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board said: "Our new Dublin office is part of NITB's ongoing strategy to continue to provide a comprehensive, accessible, information service in locations where tourists are seeking holiday information.

"Our activity in this market also includes the launch of a major summer campaign which aims to further increase the numbers of visitors holidaying in Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland.

"NITB has invested £1 million across the Republic of Ireland's media channels through TV, radio, press, outdoor and online media. Promotional teams will also target international visitors at key gateway entry points and tourist information sites.

"In the current economic downturn, there is evidence that more and more people are choosing to holiday at home.

"The campaign therefore aims to remind Republic of Ireland residents about the huge range of attractions and activities available in Northern Ireland as well as the warm welcome and value for money that can be found."