Will violence on NI's streets scare away the tourists?
BBCWhen violence in parts of Northern Ireland broke out last week, the dramatic images were beamed across the world.
While Belfast city centre was unscathed, businesses pulled down shutters early and public transport was suspended. Bewildered holidaymakers were seen wandering around a virtual ghost-town.
Coachloads of tourists from Europe, North America and further afield have become everyday sights in Belfast in particular in recent years.
A popular stop for cruise ships, the city has shed its image as a no-go area during The Troubles.
But on Sunday, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said the disorder was a "stain on Northern Ireland's reputation".
So will the recent violent scenes make visitors reluctant to return?
BBC News NI spoke to tourists in Belfast city centre last week to find how the violence has affected their impression.
'It's a beautiful place'
Gerd Bloaman, a tour guide from Belgium, who was with a large group from her country, admitted they were "a little worried" when they saw the news.
"I looked it up - where the trouble was - and I told my people if it was really risky we would cancel the free time and go directly to the hotel but it seems to be OK."
She said she would still recommend Northern Ireland as a place to visit.
"It's a beautiful place, I like it a lot, I like the Irish people, they're very friendly, so I think it's OK," she said.
'We seem to attract it'
John and Emily, from Leicestershire, had been staying close to the Mourne Mountains in County Down before travelling to Belfast.
"We were in Mexico when the El Mencho thing [violence after a cartel leader was killed] happened, so we seem to attract it," John said.
"But again that was nowhere near us - it's like anywhere, if you're in the vicinity and it's local then I guess it could be a concern, but there's lots of things going on around you all the time which you can be oblivious to."
Emily said the biggest disruption they had faced was to public transport.
"And I guess we'd have liked to go out last night to a bar or whatever, but they're all closed," she added.
"People who know we are here have been saying to me 'are you all right?'
"I think people think the whole city is ablaze, but I've just reassured them that it's fine, we haven't seen anything."
'We feel safe - at least at this point'
Albrarro, from Spain, said he and his friends "are watching the news and we are taking care about trying to avoid any conflict".
"Our host told us that where we are living now there is no problem, no incidents, so we feel safe at least at this point."
Asked if he would still recommend Northern Ireland to people back home, he said: "I would say yes, but probably look at the news and try to see where are you going and try to avoid problems."
'They said they would never come back'
Fiona, a local tour guide for Excursions Ireland, was showing a coachload of German tourists around Belfast City Hall.
"There was a group yesterday, again off a cruise ship, and I advised them to go back to the ship and then we got a phone call saying they had to come back," she said.
"Some of them were OK about it, some of them said they would never, ever come back.
"Today we're still a little bit jumpy and we're having to change our route around the city as we're getting information about people gathering on street corners etc."
She said the violence was not a good look.
"I think it will have an impact, because it's being beamed all over the world and it's a negative view of Belfast.
"There's so many cruise ships coming in now - this could put them off coming here."
'I still had a good time'
It was Skylar from Taiwan's first day in Northern Ireland.
"We're just a little bit concerned about if we get home too late," she said.
"I think it's still OK, it's still safe to travel here - I still had a good time today."
How were business and tourism affected?
The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation said "the vast majority of destinations, tourism businesses and accommodation providers across Northern Ireland continue to operate as normal".
A spokesperson added: "At present, there is no evidence of any widespread disruption to hotel operations, and businesses remain focused on providing a welcoming and secure experience for all visitors."
EPATourism NI said it has been "closely monitoring the incidents of public disorder that have been confined to specific areas".
"Importantly, key tourism and visitor experiences are continuing to operate as normal."
'Not the scenes we need going out around the world'
Tina McKenzie, from the Federation of Small Businesses said Northern Ireland had been through so much "to build up its reputation, to be a better society, a better economy, a better place to come and invest".
"These are not the scenes we need going out around the world," she said.
ReutersOn Friday, police met representatives from the business community to discuss the recent disorder.
"Belfast City Centre is very much open for business, which includes normal public transport and late night services to support the wider city events," Ch Supt Amanda Ford said.
"As part of our response to the disorder, there will be an increased policing presence across the city centre to provide reassurance and support for everyone who lives, works, visits and invests here."
