"Tourism can underpin local community development as long as tourists are presented with a credible offer to stay longer in the area" was the message European Committee of the Regions Member Arnold Hatch (Alderman for Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon) from the meeting of the Joint Consultative Committee of the European Committee of the Regions and the Republic of Serbia.

The meeting took place on 17 October in the Serbian city of Niš. One of its main aims was to exchange experiences in promoting tourism.

"Tourism can be a vital generator of income for local communities. Our experience in Northern Ireland, which may also be applicable to Serbia, is that we need to come up with a package of events. The benefit of such an approach is that we keep tourists longer in the area and generate more income for the local economy", said Mr Hatch.

The ECR Member gave a practical example from Northern Ireland: "We have built a new Giants Causeway Visitor Centre, linking this iconic rock formation to the attractions in Belfast in the Titanic Centre and the food heartland in my area. After making a visit to one location the tourist is pointed to the other attractions in our country, including activity holidays for cyclists and walkers on our new greenways".

 Mr Hatch also underlined the importance of working closely with the national tourist boards to bring tourists from all over the world. 

 Serbian national and local government, EU and private sector representatives attended the meeting.