Online presence is an "important ingredient" for businesses

The use of websites in business circles has been promoted by Northern Ireland's tourism minister Arlene Foster.

She told small tourism and hospitality firms that they should make the most of the internet and the online marketing opportunities that it provides.

Ms Foster noted that organisations can be aided through a new ICT advice service, which has been set up by Logon.ni and the Northern Ireland Tourism Board.

"An online presence is an important ingredient for all businesses, but especially those in the leisure and tourism industry, as people around the world are using the internet to search for information about destinations," she said.

By investing time and money in a website, businesses in the tourism sector will be able to advertise events and other must-see activities which are taking place.

Furthermore, they can launch offers and incentives for internet-only customers, which will help them spread the word about their organisation.

Posted by Ab Hamid