£550k for NI rural tourism collaboration initiative

A new £550k initiative to boost tourism in rural areas has been launched by Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots.

The scheme is designed to encourage local councils to support their visitor attractions to work together – and then promote each cluster as a combined visitor experience.

Launching the scheme in Whitehead, Co Antrim on Friday, Mr Poots said he believes the new funding package will be “the catalyst that will drive this work forward”.

All eleven local councils are expected to create their own package of attractions supported by the ‘Rural Tourism Collaborative Experiences Programme’.

The minister visited a number of attractions in the Whitehead area yesterday, including the Gobbins Visitor Centre and the Whitehead Railway Museum.

He said: “It is clear from my visit here in Whitehead that a spirit of collaboration is emerging in the tourism sector to jointly create visitor experiences that are accessible, bookable and compelling, offering long-term sustainability and growth to tourism in Northern Ireland.”

Mr Poots added: “There is significant potential in this area and what this area can offer would attract both local and international visitors.

“This funding will be the catalyst that will drive this work forward and I look forward to seeing the eventual experiences that all 11 councils will bring forward in the coming months.”

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston, said: “Hopefully this will allow us to drive more visitors to experience and explore the breath-taking beauty of the borough, from stunning coastline to historic castles and the world famous Gobbins Clifftop Path, and it was a privilege to welcome the minister for the launch”.

Martin Clarke, chairman of Whitehead Community Association, said: “The funding available through this programme will be a fantastic enabler for essential community and council collaboration to build on the rich vein of art, heritage, culture and landscape that exists in Northern Ireland.

“Supported projects will offer locals and visitors a chance to engage through experience in the outstanding potential of places such as Whitehead.”