Northern Ireland Tourism Event Funding Programme 2013/14 Launched

Northern Irish Tourism Minister Arlene Foster launched the 2013/14 Tourism Event funding programme on 19 September 2012. The programme’s main aim is to increase visitor numbers and spend in the local economy, as well as to promote the image of Northern Ireland as an interesting place to visit, live and work in. On top of that, the scheme is designed to financially support and further develop national and international tourism events taking place between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2014. According to Minister Foster, the events industry is of crucial importance to Northern Ireland: "An innovative series of fresh events covering a broad range of our cultural, arts and sport offering is a great draw for tourists both at home and further afield.” The fund is administered by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board as part of a strategic development plan for the region, aiming at increasing tourism spend to £1 billion and visitor numbers to 4.5 million by 2020. event applications.