Promoting Tourism in the Face of Terrorism:

Abstract

Civil unrest and terrorist attacks have led to a sharp decline in inbound holiday tourism to Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board is engaged in promotion of the Province as a tourist destination, and one method used is to support special events in the expectation that these will draw in significant numbers of holidaymakers from abroad. A survey of several events showed this not to be the case, and that little effective promotion of the events was taking place outside Northern Ireland. It is suggested that the Northern Ireland Tourist Board should therefore withdraw its support and market the events to potential tourists directly.