Councillor Stephen Nicholl, Ulster Unionist Group Leader on Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, has called for Tourism Ireland to engage promptly with the council regarding the marketing of the Ballymena area to tourists.
Councillor Nicholl said:
"Until recently tourists seeking advice on travelling along the coastal route were advised by Tourism Ireland to follow their recommendation and leave the Coast Road just before Carnlough to drive inland through Broughshane and Ballymena before returning to the coast at Waterfoot. Following complaints from an East Antrim MLA, this part of the itinerary has been deleted and tourists are advised now to stick to the coast road.
“While the coastal route is obviously very important, the fact remains that any tourism strategy for Mid and East Antrim must promote the entire area and seek to retain tourists in the area for as long as possible. I am in no doubt that Ballymena and its surrounding area including Slemish Mountain, have a major role to play in that, even if Tourism Ireland do not.
“Tourism Ireland have taken an arbitrary decision without any consultation or thought on the impact on businesses in Ballymena. I have therefore asked Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to engage urgently with Tourism Ireland to begin the development of a strategic option which ensures that the economic benefits of the tourism trade are spread across the area through fair marketing."