Foster gets ‘real’ over Brazilian tourist potential

TOURISM Minister Arlene Foster says efforts are being made to attract more high-spending Brazilians to Northern Ireland to spend their hard-earned reais after visits to Tourism Ireland’s Brazil website increased by 42 per cent over the past year.

By The Newsroom

Published 1st Nov 2012, 16:49 BST

She said the tourism body recently completed a review of potential new markets and has developed a strategy to attract more high-spending visitors from South America.

“This involves working closely with airlines, tour operators in Brazil and UK inbound operators who specialise in South America, to encourage them to include Northern Ireland in their programmes and brochures.

“Earlier this month, representatives from Tourism Ireland travelled to Brazil and other locations in South America. Workshops were held for key trade and media contacts.

“Visits to Tourism Ireland’s Brazil website have increased by 42 per cent this year, when compared to the same period in 2011 - from 33,700 (Jan-Sept 2011) to 47,944 (Jan-Sept 2012).

“Tourism Ireland will launch a new website and market book targeting potential Brazilian holidaymakers later this year,” she stated.