For a time, Troubles Tourism (subs needed) did its fair share in attracting the world to its doors. However, according to the New York Times the weekend before last, it’s not up to scratch for the modern tourist. The Belfast Telegraph took up the gauntlet with Mary FitzGerald’s interview with Alan Clarke, head of Northern Ireland Tourist Board. Its leader went on to argue, that a multiplication in domestic flights into both Belfast airports requires movement beyond old strategies.Getting some decent signs to the National Trust’s Divis and Black Mountain walks would help augment the offering. The views over Belfast Lough and Lagan Valley are stunning, but you’d need to be local to find them without risking a massive detour – via Glenavy, or even worse, the International Airport!
Mick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty