The political breakthroughs in NorthernIreland have encouraged optimism within the province’s tourist industry.
Over the past few months, representatives of the industry have been getting over this positive view of the destination to Northern Ireland’s main tourism markets.
According to Northern Ireland Tourist Board estimates, tourism is expected to generate ú285m of revenue by 2000 and sustain 16,000 jobs by 2001.
BTTF provides another good opportunity for the province’s tourist industry to promote developments which reflect the confidence investors have in its future.
An example is the ú25m Belfast Hilton which opened last September.
Also new to the hotel stock of the city are the McCausland on Victoria Street and Benedict’s on Bradbury Place, the Holiday Inn at Shaws Bridge and the Forte Posthouse.
Access to the province has increased with the start of EasyJet’s service into Belfast International from Luton
The no-frills flights prompted rival Jersey European Airways to launch low-price economy fares.
At BTTF this year, the NITB will again be sharing the stand with the Irish Tourist Board. The move is in line with the joint-tourist board initiative to promote the whole of Ireland.
Among those companies or tourist organisations taking space on the stand are Stena Line and SeaCat Scotland, North East Region and Heritage Island.
Belleek Pottery and Killyhevlin Hotel will be among those there to promote the county of Fermanagh.
For the first time, trade partners from the Ireland North County Region representing counties on the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic have been invited to attend.