merrion street

Brendan Griffin, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, visited Belfast today and met representatives of the tourism industry at the newly opened Grand Central Hotel in Belfast. He also took the opportunity to visit Titanic Belfast, one of the leading tourism attractions on the island of Ireland. He was delighted to meet with representatives of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland and attended the Twelfth of July parade.

Minister Brendan Griffin said:

“I was pleased to meet leading tourism industry representatives in Belfast today and to visit Titanic Belfast. It was wonderful to hear about the success of tourism and I can see why increasing numbers of tourists are visiting Northern Ireland. Congratulations to colleagues in Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland on the record performance to date. 

I was also pleased to meet representatives of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland and attend the 12th July parade in Belfast. I would like to thank everyone for the warm reception I received. It is important that we appreciate and respect the different traditions on the island of Ireland.”

Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said:

“I am delighted that Minister Griffin took the time to visit Belfast to meet key representatives of the tourism industry here. Thanks also to the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland for the warm welcome on 12th July. Days like this send out positive signals which are important for the long-term growth of tourism.”