Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps her Department is taking to increase tourism between Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Tourism is a devolved policy area, meaning that the Northern Ireland Executive has responsibility for the promotion and delivery of the tourism offered within Northern Ireland. Tourism Ireland is responsible for marketing the island of Ireland overseas, including with Great Britain.

The Department has not undertaken an assessment of the value of tourism between Northern Ireland and Scotland. As shown, though, by its place at the top of the recent Lonely Planet list of regions to visit, Northern Ireland is a 'must-see' tourist destination, and Ministers in the Northern Ireland Office will continue to encourage visitors to come to experience the many wonderful sights and attractions it has to offer.