Ritchie Presses For South Down Investment

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie (SDLP) has impressed the need for investment in South Down’s tourism potential on Enterprise Minister Jonathan Bell.

Speaking after meeting with the Minister Today, Ms Ritchie said:xa0“I met with Enterprise Minister Jonathan Bell to make the case for investment in the tourism potential in south Down and across the North.

“As a key economic driver of the local economy, and on a sub-regional level across county Down, we need to be investing in tourism as a means of generating jobs, investment and prosperity. We have, for example, the world’s greatest Patrician heritage spots in Downpatrick and the Mournes. We already know that every £1 invested in heritage tourism generates a further £6 for the wider economy. Exploiting the sleeping giant of St Patrick tourism is vital to building the sector. “I am continuing to work for greater fiscal flexibility from the British Treasury on Tourism VAT and Air Passenger Duty. Tomorrow I will launch the new All Party Parliamentary Group on the Visitor Economy and hope to gather further cross party support for a reduction in VAT on tourism and hospitality services which will boost the sector and our local economy.” Ms Ritchie added: “Opportunities lie ahead, not least of all with the year of food supported by Tourism NI approaching and the chance to showcase local producers that this provides. It’s important that we do all we can to drive forward with projects that will deliver new jobs and build on sustainable sectors. The SDLP will continue to do all we can and I will continue to pursue the relevant government authorities.”]]>