Lack of North Coast Hotels presents a challenge to us all - McClarty
If the North Coast area is to benefit from an anticipated increase in tourism it must provide more top quality hotel accommodation, East Londonderry Assembly member David McClarty has said.
The UUP MLA says the lack of hotels in the area is a problem that throws out a challenge to tourism chiefs, private business people and the hotel and catering industry itself.
Mr. McClarty says: “If we are going to encourage event tourism and continue to host major sporting attractions such as the North West 200 motorcycle races, the Milk Cup football tournament and golf events then we must strive for more top quality accommodation.
“I am fully aware of the difficulties organisers of these hugely popular sporting attractions have to deal with as they have had to deal with the loss of more and more options in the accommodation sphere in recent times.
“For an area which relies so heavily on tourism, it is a concern that there are less hotels along the North Coast now then there were a decade ago.
“All predictions point to an increase in tourist numbers and we have to actively be exploring all avenues when it comes to providing high quality hotels for a demanding market.
If the parties who stand to benefit from tourism do not engage on this issue then we will continue to have problems.
“Resorts such as Portstewart and Portrush must be in a position to host overseas visitors who are now expecting the very best in comfort and value.
“We have seen a decline in the number of hotels and this has presented whole sale problems for the people who are doing so much to encourage visitors here by staging wonderful events and entertainment.
“If projections are accurate - and there is no reason to doubt the research – we have to be ready to roll out the welcome mat to the world.
“I believe that presents a challenge to a whole range of people from the tourism industry and those charged with its promotion, including the local council, through to private business.
“It is a source of disappointment to see a distinct lack of hotels on the North Coast and while I would congratulate those hoteliers who have invested heavily to expand and improve what they have to offer, we still need more investment in this area.
“The off peak period is obviously something which must be addressed but again that presents us with something to look into and if event tourism can be successful expanded in the region then there is no reason why we cannot have more quality accommodation.