On Monday 24th March 2025, Joanne Stuart CEO NITA, Nuala Saul, Managing Director of Brack Tours and President of ITOA and Eimear Kearney, Commercial Director of Titanic Belfast met with the Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald at Parliament Buildings and outlined evidence of significant cancellations as direct result of the ETA scheme.
Following the meeting, Minister Archibald said there was tangible evidence that the scheme was starting to have definitive and negative impact on our tourism industry. She said she had written to Seema Malhortra MP, Home Office Minister for Migration and Citizenship, to urge once again, that proposed options for an exemption, are brought forward.
Speaking after the meeting Joanne Stuart, said the introduction of the ETA scheme is having a clear and detrimental impact our tourism sector.
“The requirement for European visitors to hold a passport in order to apply for an ETA is a major barrier, particularly for key demographics such as younger travellers and older tourists who often travel using UK identity cards.
“We urge the Home Office to reconsider our call for a practical exemption that allows for seemless cross-border travel.”
You can read the press release HERE
