At the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) Tourism Sectoral meeting this morning, Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin and Minister for the Economy Conor Murphy reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable tourism.
This meeting, the first since the Northern Ireland Executive’s restoration in February, saw both ministers sign a Joint Ministerial Statement supporting sustainable tourism. They emphasized the need for tourism to be environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable across the island of Ireland.
Ministers Martin and Murphy highlighted the importance of a vibrant tourism sector that benefits the entire island, promotes a positive image overseas, and supports local communities. Minister Martin expressed her dedication to collaborating with stakeholders to achieve a sustainable tourism sector, which aligns with the new national tourism policy framework being developed by her department.
Minister Murphy emphasized tourism’s vital role in the island’s economy and the importance of sustainable growth. He stressed that the transition to a greener economy should also generate prosperity for all.
Both ministers committed to ongoing collaboration between tourism agencies, industry, and stakeholders to drive sustainable growth in the tourism sector.