ACNI snubbed in draft tourism strategy

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI) is fighting for recognition of its role in developing cultural tourism in Northern Ireland. Writing in response to a ‘Draft Tourism Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2020’, published by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, ACNI contends that the significant contribution of the creative and cultural sectors to the development of the tourist economy in Northern Ireland is inadequately reflected. The response notes “disappointment” that the role of cultural tourism is not evident throughout the strategy, and accuses the draft document of failing “to address the pivotal role of what cultural tourism has to offer in relation to the distinctiveness of the Northern Ireland brand and its vast potential in contributing to the economy.” It points specifically to the large-scale investment in recent years that has led to building the network of arts venues and facilities across the region, contributed to the vibrancy of its festivals and regeneration, and of the creative night-time economy in towns and cities.
ACNI also expresses thinly veiled anger at its exclusion from a list of agencies identified as the partners who will be charged with the delivery of a tourism action plan, which aims to generate an increase in visitors from 3.2 million to 4.5 million by 2020, and to raise tourism earnings from £536m to £1bn over the same period. It argues that the Arts Council could play “an instrumental role in the delivery of this strategy from a cultural tourism perspective”, particularly in seeking and securing commitment from government departments, local government and other agencies. While the draft tourism strategy recognises a commitment by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure “to collaborate on cultural and arts festivals to support an events strategy”, it fails to mention any role for ACNI, even though it was mentioned in the supporting evidence document. The arts community in Northern Ireland is now being urged to respond to the tourism strategy, and strengthen the case for better recognition of their role. The consultation closes on 20 May.
 

http://www.detini.gov.uk/ni_tourism_20100308.pdf