"Tourism Businesses Must Embrace Change" - Dodds

The high profile Masterclasses aim to develop internationally competitive businesses and assist tourism organisations to deliver memorable experiences for visitors.

Opening the event at the Stormont Hotel, Belfast, Minister Dodds said, "Northern Ireland is experiencing a tourism renaissance with visitor numbers rising and tourists spending more while visiting. Last year saw a period of record occupancy in hotels, while visitor figures rose by 4% overall.

"For tourism businesses to meet the challenges of the modern economy it is vital they embrace change and become globally aware. They must also continually improve the quality of their product, capability, people, processes, and knowledge of competition to achieve stand out both in the domestic market and beyond.

"Another important factor is people. Investment in roads, hotels, signature projects and access are all vital, but also needed are skilled, motivated and caring staff. The friendliness of our people has always been recognised by visitors to Northern Ireland as a key asset. As the tourism industry continues to expand we need to work all the harder at recruiting, training and retaining the very best in the business."

The event was led by Jane Sunley, Managing Director of London-based Learnpurple, who spoke about developing leaders and managers for the future. It was attended by senior managers and proprietors in the hotel and hospitality industry.