GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR TOURISM IN NORTHERN IRELAND

That this House believes that the Government must do more to support the tourism industry and hospitality sector; acknowledges the vital role this sector plays in the economy in Northern Ireland and supports the drive to encourage more visitors to see the wonderful attractions Northern Ireland has on offer; recognises that the Irish government has retained a sector-targeted lower rate of VAT for the tourism industry of nine per cent and has scrapped airport passenger duty which will provide a further stimulus for the industry; further acknowledges that the lower rate of VAT for tourism in Ireland has created 9,000 jobs and that tourist numbers have increased by 142,000 in the last year; and calls on the Government to enact similar measures to boost growth in the tourism sector in Northern Ireland and make it more economically competitive.