A NEW voucher scheme aimed at boosting the tourism and hospitality sector in Northern Ireland is expected to offer discounts on accommodation and visitor attractions.
The 'Holiday at Home' voucher initiative was announced on Thursday after the Executive signed off on a £165 million Covid support package.
More than £29m will go towards "business interventions", including support for the tourism industry and the holiday at home scheme.
It is thought the initiative will offer £50 vouchers to be used for short breaks and discounts on tourist attractions.
It is hoped the vouchers will "incentivise people to take staycations and support the local economy".
It follows an 'eat out to help out' scheme by the UK government in August which saw more than 100 million restaurant meals subsidised.
However, details of the scheme remained unclear last night with the Department of Economy unable to provide any information about the new initiative.
The department said only that it would announce further details on the holiday voucher scheme in the near future.
It is understood Tourism NI, which is responsible for the development of tourism and the marketing of Northern Ireland as a tourist destination, is also involved in the planning of the scheme.
Speaking earlier this month, Mrs Dodds mooted the voucher scheme idea, hinting that an allocation could be given to media outlets and retailers to distribute.
However, she said at the time that plans for any scheme would be dependent upon securing funding from the Executive.
While details on the scheme remain unclear, Janie Gault, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation, last night said it was important to help the tourism economy.
"Any scheme that supports tourism is a good call," she said.
Sinn Féin's economy spokesperson Caoimhe Archibald also welcomed the announcement saying she had written to the economy minister previously urging her to explore the potential of a voucher scheme .
"This funding will provide a vital lifeline for the tourism and hospitality sectors and could prove crucial in protecting jobs and livelihoods."
