Reid involved in latest Northern tourism drive

A drive to kick-start Northern Ireland's tourism industry after the foot-and-mouth crisis was given strong backing by Ulster Secretary John Reid

today.

He gave the message that "Northern Ireland is open for business" when he visited one of the province's main country house attractions as the UK National Trust announced a £1.3m investment in its facilities.

At historic Mount Stewart, overlooking Strangford Lough outside Newtownards, Dr Reid said he was visiting "to make it clear" the province is open

for tourism.

Just yesterday the latest foot-and-mouth scare in the North - on the scenic north Antrim coast - proved to be negative, leaving the province with just four confirmed cases, none in recent weeks.

Dr Reid said: "I am convinced there is a huge potential for tourism in Northern Ireland." He said the latest figures showed 1.6 million annual visitors to tourist attractions, which meant some £320m towards the local economy.