Trade bodies have stressed the vital role of outbound travel in Northern Ireland’s economy.
- Meetings were held between industry representatives and Northern Ireland ministers.
- Discussions included workforce issues, UK-EU relations, and ministerial responsibilities.
- The importance of clear communication with the Northern Ireland Executive was highlighted.
- Emphasis was placed on maintaining regular engagement with local politicians.
Trade associations, including Abta, Anita, and Nita, are actively lobbying Northern Ireland’s ministers to emphasise the significance of outbound travel to the local economy. The meetings centred around the potent economic role that the travel sector plays, underscoring its contribution to Northern Ireland’s financial ecosystem.
Meetings took place with Aisling Reilly of Sinn Fein and Pam Cameron of the DUP, focusing on key issues such as workforce and skills shortages, the implications of UK-EU relations, and the necessity for well-defined ministerial responsibilities related to travel and tourism.
The engagement was notably preserved during the general election campaign, as ‘purdah’ restrictions that apply in Westminster elections do not hinder the Northern Ireland Executive. This flexibility allowed for continued dialogue and strategic discussions on enhancing sector prosperity.
Mark Tanzer, Abta’s chief executive, expressed satisfaction in facilitating this dialogue, advocating for the implementation of clearer ministerial lines for outbound travel. The discussions also aimed to foster cooperation with Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), ensuring that the sector’s potential is fully realised.
Damian Murphy, chair of Anita, highlighted the pandemic’s lessons, emphasising the urgency for better comprehension of the travel industry’s pivotal role in governmental strategies. Anita aims to enhance engagement not only through organisational channels but also by encouraging individual businesses to liaise with local officials.
Judith Owens, chair of Nita, affirmed their commitment to promoting the tourism sector’s value within Northern Ireland’s broader economic framework. Owens supported the conversations concerning the benefits of outbound travel while addressing essential issues that affect both domestic and inbound tourism operators.
The collaborative efforts of trade bodies and Northern Ireland ministers underscore the critical importance of outbound travel to the local economy.
