To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she plans to introduce a voucher scheme to support the tourism sector.

In April 2020, in recognition of the significant impact of the global pandemic on the tourism and hospitality sector, I established a Tourism Recovery Taskforce. I chair the Steering Group supported by a high level Working Group, chaired by John McGrillen, CEO, Tourism Northern Ireland.

Through these Groups, we have delivered a number of key priorities such as reopening timelines, operational guidelines, an industry chartermark and targeted marketing activity.

The Steering Group tasked the Working Group with developing a draft Tourism Recovery Action Plan. A draft Plan was presented to the Steering Group on 2 September.

The plan is draft at this stage and extensive, having been developed with many sectors of the tourism industry. It will now be subject to due diligence by my Department, in consultation with other relevant Departments, to consider deliverability, affordability and value for money.

Many of the actions listed in the draft Plan, including the vouchers scheme, are dependent on decisions by the Executive on the allocation of Covid-19 resources. I continue to stress the need for urgent decisions on funding.

Two voucher schemes are under consideration: one for £50 accommodation vouchers to stimulate demand for short breaks, and a second, offering discounts with visitor attractions and tourism experience providers.

Voucher schemes are a tried and tested method of stimulating demand. The proposal is that a certain allocation of vouchers would be given to media outlets and retailers to distribute to Northern Ireland residents.

This proposal will be carefully considered alongside a significant number of other requests contained within the action plan.