A drive to kick-start Northern Ireland's tourism industry after the foot-and-mouth crisis was given strong backing by Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid today.
He gave the "Northern Ireland is open for business" message when he visited one of the province's main country house attractions as the National Trust announced a £1.3 million investment in its facilities.
At Mount Stewart, overlooking Strangford Lough outside Newtownards, Co Down, Dr Reid said he was visiting "to make it clear" the North was open for tourism.
Just yesterday the latest foot-and-mouth scare in Northern Ireland - on the scenic north Antrim coast - was proved to be negative, leaving northern Ireland 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 £320 million towards the local economy.
PA