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Tourism bodies and NI finance Minister questioned in Stormont

19 January 2016

The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee holds its fourth public evidence session for its inquiry into how HM Government can help to promote the tourism industry in Northern Ireland through the tax system.

Witnesses

Thursday 21 January 2016, Parliament Buildings, Stormont

At 4.00pm

  • Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive, Tourism Ireland,
  • John McGrillen, Chief Executive, Tourism NI

At 4.45pm

  • Stephen McNally, President, Irish Hotels Federation

At 5.30pm

  • Mervyn Storey MLA, Minister for Finance and Personnel
  • Lorraine Fleming, Head of Tourism Policy, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
  • Tony Simpson, Strategic Policy Director, Department of Finance & Personnel

Purpose of the session

The Committee takes evidence from the two major tourism bodies representing Northern Ireland – Tourism Ireland and Tourism NI – and asks them what they think are the main challenges and opportunities facing the tourism and hospitality industry in the North.

The Committee also hears from the President of the Irish Hotels Federation, who gives a first-hand account of the impact the Republic of Ireland's cut in VAT on tourism and hospitality has had on the businesses he represents in both the North and South.

The Committee concludes by taking evidence from the recently appointed NI Finance Minister, Mervyn Storey MLA, and ask him for his views on VAT, Air Passenger Duty (APD) and other ways the Government can support the tourism and hospitality industry in Northern Ireland.

Further information

Image: iStockphoto