British visa legislation could jeopardise Derry's tourism industry - Cllr claims

Planned British Government legislation to impose visa restrictions on travel between the north and south of Ireland, has been branded as "offensive and potentially devastating" to Derry's tourist industry. 

Under the proposals, Irish residents without an Irish passport, or tourists who wish to visit the North from the south, would need to obtain and pay for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

Sinn Féin councillor Christopher Jackson has slammed the plans and called for them to be scrapped.

He said: “Sinn Féin has directly and consistently challenged the British Home Office on this legislation because it is not only offensive and reckless but potentially devastating to the tourist industry.

“The North West  has so much to offer in terms of tourism but any requirement for visitors to apply and pay for post-Brexit waivers will obviously cause huge damage to our potential to continue to grow this industry.

“More than half a million tourists journey across the island each year, spending £250 million in the local economy.

“We cannot allow that to be jeopardised so these plans need to be scrapped.

“Tourism and hospitality groups have also been very clear in their opposition to this legislation and the British Government’s total lack of understanding about the damaging impact it will have on the island of Ireland."