Niche tourism opportunities are the answer to making holidays in Northern Ireland interesting and different, according to the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Sir Reg Empey.

He was speaking over the weekend at the opening of an 18 bed camping barn at Ford Open Farm and Museum, Low Road, Islandmagee.

The farm owners, John and Charlotte Hall, are among five businesses along the Antrim coast and Rathlin Island to develop camping barns as part of a pilot scheme to provide low-cost self-catering accommodation for budget travellers, campers, walkers and youth groups. The camping barns have hot showers, self-catering facilities and central heating.

Sir Reg said the network of camping barns had the potential to create spin-off to other businesses, as tourists are likely to want to shop, eat and sample local activities and culture.