IT'S COSTA DEL BANN

After a Europe-wide warning that the ash cloud formed from the volcanic eruption in Iceland could upset flights for the next few months, the "staycation" may have to replace the "vacation" in 2010.

Banbridge-born Ken McElroy, a leading figure in Northern Ireland's tourist industry, said it is likely many people will choose to holiday closer to home this year to avoid the uncertainty of flying off to foreign climes.

And at last week's council meeting councillors said all should be done to encourage stay-at-home tourists to visit the district this summer.

"It is very possible that some people will stay at home and travel within Northern Ireland, taking in the local tourist attractions," Mr McElroy told the Leader.

There are many areas of interest right on our doorsteps, according to McElroy, who runs his own tour guide company.

"Within the greater Banbridge area I find that now more and more people are using the walks along the Scarva canal and towpath," he said.

"Other attractions like the FE McWilliam Gallery, Scarva Visitor's Centre and the Bronte Homeland are very impressive too."

While the idea of holidaying at home is not entirely new, the airline companies' loss could be Northern Ireland's gain, according to Mr McElroy, who was honoured with an OBE for his services to local tourism earlier this year.

"A lot of people just don't realise the local attractions on offer here," he said. "Northern Ireland had no tourist industry throughout the Troubles but now we have the fastest-growing industry in the four regions of the UK."

Banbridge District Council's Tourism Officer John Douglas said people often assume that only foreign holidaymakers can be called tourists.

"Tourists are not necessarily overseas visitors," he said.

"There is also something known as domestic tourism which counts local people travelling within Northern Ireland."

These types of tourists are crucial to the local economy, explained Mr Douglas.

"I had a group from Lisburn who told me they couldn't believe how nice the walk is along the Scarva towpath and how many people were using

it," he said.

"People travel from as far as Belfast and Drogheda to come here as well and it's all welcome business as far as tourism is concerned."