AS the drive to promote tourism in South Down continues, Sinn Féin MLA Chris Hazzard has called on the Minister of Enterprise Trade and Development Arlene Foster to help support arts developments.
Mr. Hazzard said: “Recently South Down has featured in the series Game of Thrones as well as being the setting for the Oscar winning film The Shore.
“As well as attracting the visual arts it was also this year the setting for successful music festivals including Blues on the Bay, Fiddlers Green and Celtic Fusion.
“These events highlights the potential to promote South Down and attract visitors by maximising the arts to compliment the scenic beauty and history of the area.
“I have written to the Minister asking what plans she has to continue the promotion of these events and what may be planned toattract other art-based attractions into the area.
“It is important that we compliment our natural assets with attractions that will bring visitors into the area as I believe that we can retain a large section of the people if they come into the region.
“I intend to work with the Department in looking at maintaining this programme of events and attracting more so as to boost the tourism potential of the Southern region”, added Mr Hazzard.
