Northern Ireland’s tourism industry will be focused on stemming the decline of overseas visitors in 2010, according to the chairman of Tourism Ireland.

Hugh Friel was speaking before a meeting of the Tourism Ireland board in Belfast, where they met with representatives of the industry in the city to discuss plans to restore overseas tourism growth next year.

He said: “2009 has been one of the most difficult years in global tourism and for us 2010 is about action to stem the decline and begin the return to growth for tourism from overseas.

“Tourism Ireland, in partnership with the tourism industry, will focus on getting short-terms wins. Value will be a key message for the hugely competitive markets in which we operate and we will emphasise the good value that Northern Ireland offers as a sterling economy. We’ll be highlighting the uniqueness of a holiday in Northern Ireland to secure ‘stand out’ and differentiate ourselves in a crowded marketplace.”

Mr Friel added: “2010 will be all about ‘closing the sale’. We’ll be making it easier for the Northern Ireland tourism industry to join us in promoting overseas. And we’ll be bringing more industry partners to the markets, to help us create an ongoing ‘buzz’ about Belfast and the rest of Northern Ireland.”