The DUP MLA said,
“The announcement by Linen Mill Studios that the Game of Thrones Studio Tour will open next year is fantastic news for the local economy.
Whilst the Studio Tour will provide employment opportunities for many people in the Banbridge area, it builds on the massive impact the show has had, with a recent report estimating that it generated over £250million for the Northern Ireland economy."
Mrs Dodds also encouraged greater links between the Studio Tour and local businesses. She said,
“I have been working closely with a variety of stakeholder groups including ABC Council, Tourism NI and Banbridge Chamber of Commerce to ensure that local retailers in Banbridge benefit from increased tourism to the local area.”
Tourists and local visitors will ensure a much needed boost to our local economy. There is already a thriving tourist industry attached to Game of Thrones in places like the North Antrim coast visiting some of the locations used in filming. I look forward to Upper Bann being part of this in the future.
This is especially welcome as we begin to transition to a post-Covid era. We have made great strides in Northern Ireland over recent years to boost our tourism industry. As we start to look ahead again, this development is another important attraction which can market Northern Ireland to a worldwide audience."