Derry Chamber President expresses concern over cuts to Tourism NI

Chamber President Selina Horshi says it is deeply concerning that cuts have been made to a Tourism NI scheme to support local events which will further impact the local economy.

Speaking after the announcement that Tourism NI is to make cuts to its National Tourism Events Sponsorship Scheme, Selina Horshi said: “It is deeply concerning that cuts are being made to this vital scheme which supports our local tourism industry.

“Large scale and local community events will be among those on the chopping board, events which bring in much-needed revenue to our region and put the North West on the map for tourists and visitors.

“This is the latest negative consequence of the Secretary of State’s recent budget and the ongoing absence of the Executive at Stormont.

“This is yet another outworking of the strain on public finances and services and one which will have a direct impact on local economies, jobs, and our ability to attract visitors both domestically and internationally.

“We would once again urge the Secretary of State and the Northern Ireland Office to explore further support for Northern Ireland’s public services and again urge the local parties to do all that they can to facilitate a return to local power-sharing.”