More should be done to maximise the potential that Derry has when it comes to the tourism sector. That's according to one MLA who said the city needed to be 'more ambitious'.
SDLP MLA Sinéad McLaughlin made the call following the release of a new report by Tourism NI. The new report provides an insight into tourism performance to date in 2022.
The report also shows that continuing demand for tourism from closer-to-home markets is buoying tourism performance in NI as a whole.
Read more: Derry's Jika Jika! Festival set to move to Malin Head after being 'turned down'
People across the country have decided to holiday at home again in 2022 because of cancelled flights, airport chaos and cost-of-living crisis.
The Foyle MLA said: “Due to Covid-19, in the past couple of years many have opted for holidays closer to home and enjoyed the significant tourism offering on our island.
"It is encouraging to see that there has been a continued demand for these trips which can make a hugely positive contribution to the local economy.
“There is so much potential to create opportunities in Derry to boost stays like this and cement our city as the North-West’s tourism capital.
"For example, I have long called for the very successful Wild Atlantic Way to be connected with the Causeway Coast, allowing Derry to be the regional capital that connects these two routes.
"We can also do more to work with Tourism Ireland and Donegal County Council to better integrate the North West’s tourism region.
"The recent Maritime Festival also showed the potential of the River Foyle and maximising the opportunities the river front affords our city could only bolster our tourism potential.
“Derry has so much to offer and we just need to be ambitious in taking advantage of this potential for the benefit of everyone in our city.”
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