Spring 2011
Trail Brings
Saint Patrick
Story to Life
The recently completed Saint Patrick’s Trail, a 92 “NITB congratulates all the members of
mile signed driving route, was launched on 14
the Saint Patrick’s Steering Group for their
March at the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick. commitment and dedication to the project.”
The trail, which links key Patrician and Christian
Heritage sites, from Bangor, Downpatrick and Newry,
ending in Armagh, is an integral part of the Saint
Patrick and Christian Heritage Signature Project.
NITB Director of Product Development Siobhan
McCauley, who attended the launch, commented;
“The Saint Patrick’s Trail is the glue that holds the
entire Saint Patrick and Christian Heritage
Signature Project together.”
At the launch of the Saint Patrick’s Trail are Siobhan McCauley, NITB, Councillor Eamonn O’Neill and Dr Tim Campbell.
“It succeeds in creating regional spread,
encouraging visitors to explore the area
they are in, as well as remain on the trail
to explore the next site, generating
additional spend in the area.”
Meanwhile a new interpretative and historical
centre has been launched in Armagh. Known as
‘No 5’, the centre is housed in the city’s former
Registry. The 18th century building has been
fully restored and will display coins, prints and
antiquities formerly held in Armagh Public Library.
Historic church and public records for Armagh
Cathedral and Dioceses will also be kept there.
NITB provided £181,459 through the Tourism
Development Scheme towards the project and
the Heritage Lottery Fund contributed £304,500.
Armagh Public Library has contributed £30,000.
Rohit Talwar, from Fast Future Research
Consultancy also addressed the
delegates. Rohit has undertaken
in-depth research on the future of
aviation, airports, travel and tourism
and has recently published
‘Hotels 2020’.
The tourism conference also focused
on the delivery of the visitor experience
on the ground, and a presentation was
given on the ‘Purple Flag’ in Northern
Ireland.
Speakers at the Tourism Conference included Rohit Talwar, Fast Future Research Consultancy,
Irene Delgado of Bilbao Ria 2000 and Alan Clarke, NITB.
Tourism Conference
Gears Up for Opportunity
March began with a conference
aimed at encouraging the tourism
industry to gear up for a series of
once-in-a-lifetime opportunities
in 2012 and 2013.
The conference, which took place at
the La Mon Hotel on the outskirts of
Belfast, featured a range of speakers
from Spain, the UK and Ireland, and
focused on key themes of maritime
heritage, landscape and events.
“NITB, the tourism industry and the
Department for Enterprise, Trade and
Investment are working on projects that
will raise the profile of Northern Ireland,
drive visitor numbers and generate
economic impact across these key years.
We aim to offer a genuinely new
experience to our domestic, Republic of
Ireland and international visitors that will
allow us to tell our story on a global scale.”
Speakers included Irene Delgado of
Bilbao Ria 2000. Bilbao in Northern
In his welcome address to the conference,
Spain is historically a centre for steel and
NITB Chief Executive Alan Clarke said:
ship-building and has an important
industrial and maritime heritage. The
“All of us here have huge
non-profit making body Bilbao Ria 2000
ambitions for tourism. The
was created in 1992 with the intention of
next two years, 2012 and 2013,
recovering and redeveloping former
will be critical in acting as a
industrial space around the city. NITB
springboard for the next
recently co-ordinated a learning journey
decade as major Signature
to Bilbao for stakeholders associated
Projects in Belfast,
with the development of the Titanic
Derry~Londonderry and the
Quarter and Northern Ireland’s
Causeway come to fruition.”
maritime tourism offering.
Purple Flag is the new ‘gold standard’
that recognises great entertainment
and hospitality areas at night. To date
15 towns and cities in the UK have been
awarded the coveted Purple Flag Award. NITB provided financial assistance to the
Association of Town Centre Management
(ATCM) and Pubs of Ulster through the
Tourism Innovation Fund to get the
initiative off the ground in Northern
Ireland with pilot areas located in Belfast,
Londonderry, Bangor and Enniskillen.
The Purple Flag project has been
part-financed by the European
Regional Development Fund
under the European Sustainable
Competitiveness programme for
Northern Ireland.
Tourism Minister Arlene Foster joins Richard Godfrey, MTV, presenter Laura Whitmore,
David Lynn, MTV and the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Pat Convery at the
MTV EMA announcement.
Belfast to Host the
2011 MTV EMAs
The MTV awards
will be broadcast
live from Belfast’s
Odyssey Arena
in November
this year
guaranteeing a
wealth of local,
national and
international musical talent,
thanks to support from NITB
and Belfast City Council.
Attending the Tourism Conference, Paul Davies,
Association of Town Centre Management, Jayne
O’Neile, NITB and Stephen Dunlop, Bangor Town
Centre Management.
David Lynn, Executive Vice President and
Managing Director, VIMN UK & Ireland
added: “Hosting the 2011 MTV EMAs in
the UK is a tremendous opportunity to
showcase the UK across a globe
spanning portfolio of TV networks
and websites serving in excess of 160
countries, while reinforcing our
commitment to production in the UK.”
“We greatly appreciate the
support of the Belfast City
Council and the Northern
Ireland Tourist Board and look
forward to delivering an
outstanding line up of events
that capture the beauty and
essence of Belfast.”
News
Tourism Minister Arlene Foster with Alan Clarke, NITB
at the NI2012 launch
£5 Million Fund
for 2012 Year of
Opportunity
A funding package worth £5 million to support a
programme of events promoting Northern Ireland
tourism in 2012 was recently launched. The
funding package comes from the Department
of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and NITB.
Launching NI2012 at Titanic House in Belfast,
Minister Foster said: “2012 will be a year of
opportunity for Northern Ireland. The eyes of the
world will be on Northern Ireland, which is why I
reallocated £3.5million from my department’s
budget settlement to the Northern Ireland Tourist
Board to prioritise the promotion of tourism during
this significant year.”
“2012 presents a unique opportunity to deliver a
year-long celebration of Northern Ireland. Many
significant events lie ahead such as the centenary
of the maiden voyage of Titanic in April 2012, the
50th Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queens and
the arrival of the Clipper Round the World Yacht
race to Londonderry. The maiden city will also
be preparing to take up the mantle of UK City of
Culture 2013. By 2012 we will also have completed
an investment of £300million in capital
infrastructure, including the Giant’s Causeway
Visitor Centre and the Titanic Signature Project.”
The events programme for 2012 and beyond is
expected to boost visitor numbers and, in turn,
bring significant economic benefits to Northern
Ireland. 2012 is a significant tipping point for
Northern Ireland tourism, and will help to increase
visitor numbers and stimulate economic growth.
A number of benefits have been identified over the
next three years from staging this programme of
events, including attracting up to 833,000
additional visitors, generating an additional
£140million in revenue for the economy and
the potential to create over 3,500 jobs.
Industry Insight
Industry Insight
Attending NITB’s Business Tourism Insight, Michael Deane, NITB, Hugo Slimbrouck of Ovation Global DMC and Susie McCullough, NITB.
Attending the Think Tourism NI careers awareness event in Belfast,
Patrick English from Malone College, Joanne McBride, Ryan’s Bar,
Siobhan Mulholland from Little Flower Girls’ School, Tim Heron,
Cloth Ear and Fiona Delargy, from St Killian’s College.
NITB addresses Business
Tourism Potential
The potential for Northern Ireland to
encourage more business visitors was the
topic of the day at an NITB business insight
held at the Europa Hotel in Belfast.
The business insight, part of NITB’s industry
development programme, advised the local tourism
industry how to effectively sell to the meetings,
incentive, conferences and events market.
Business tourism holds huge potential for
Northern Ireland. In 2009, 375,000 business
trips were made, generating £87 million.
Business tourism accounts for approximately one
fifth of all out of state visits to Northern Ireland.
Content
Sinead Maguire, Communications Officer
s.maguire@nitb.com
Telephone:
Textphone:
Fax:
info@nitb.com
www.nitb.com
+44 (0) 28 9023 1221
+44 (0) 28 9044 1522
+44 (0) 28 9024 0960
Commenting on the importance of tourism
for Belfast, Councillor Conor Maskey, Chairman
of Belfast City Council’s development committee,
said: “Tourism is a major economic growth area
for Belfast and we are delighted to be working in
partnership with NITB and BVCB to deliver an
authentic city experience. Our new Strategy for
Belfast will develop and co-ordinate our cultural,
natural and commercial assets to attract a greater
number of visitors to the city and maximize
economic benefits and job creation.”
New NITB Publication
Scheme 2011
Under the Freedom of Information Act
2000, it is the duty of every public authority
to adopt and maintain a publication scheme.
Publication schemes facilitate the proactive
release of information and play a crucial role
in supporting and providing greater openness
and transparency across
the public sector.
Tourism Minister Arlene Foster launches the new spring campaign with Alan Clarke NITB and Andy Rea from
Mourne Seafood Bar, Belfast.
Spring in the Air with
Marketing Campaign
The new campaign is the latest in a series of
very successful ‘Explore More’ campaigns
designed to encourage people to explore
and rediscover Northern Ireland. In 2009 the
equivalent campaign picked up a prestigious
UK Chartered Institute of Marketing award.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Foster said;
“The tourism industry in Northern Ireland has
shown great resilience throughout a challenging
News
Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy
in the compilation of this publication. NITB
cannot accept responsibility for omissions
or errors but these will be rectified in future
publications when brought to our attention.
Comments and feedback should be
addressed to pr@nitb.com
St. Anne’s Court
59 North Street
Belfast, BT1 1NB
The wealth of career opportunities offered
by the growing hospitality and tourism
industry in Northern Ireland was the focus
of three careers events in Belfast, Armagh
and Londonderry organised by People 1st,
the sector skills council for the hospitality,
leisure, travel and tourism industry.
New Publications
To request a copy of this document on disc or
in other accessible formats, please contact
the Communications Department.
© Northern Ireland Tourist Board
The business insight attracted keynote speakers
including Hugo Slimbrouck who is Director of
Sales at Ovation Global DMC. Caitriona Lavery
of Hastings Hotels and Jennifer Jenkins from
MCI UK also addressed the audience, dealing
with issues surrounding promoting and selling
business tourism facilities and services in
Northern Ireland.
News
Tourism Minister Arlene Foster launched a new
£1 million marketing campaign to urge local
people and Republic of Ireland residents to
holiday in Northern Ireland.
Editor
Orla Farren, Communications Manager
o.farren@nitb.com
Conditions for business tourism are
set to improve following the
economic downturn, so it is
important that Northern Ireland is in
prime position to capitalise on this.
Tourism
Top of Agenda
Kathleen McBride, NITB, Mayor of Coleraine, Cllr Norman Hillis
and artist Holger Lönze with a model of the new sculpture that
will be installed at the East Strand in Portrush.
Public Art Set
for East Strand
NITB and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland
have announced funding for a new piece of
public art to be installed at the East Strand
Promenade in Portrush.
In line with Section 20 of the Act, the Information
Commissioner approved a new model
publication scheme to be adopted by all public
authorities from 1st January 2009. NITB adopted
the model scheme in its entirety from that date.
economic period. Competition for visitors is
intense but NITB’s spring campaign will support
growth by promoting key attractions.”
The NITB Publication Scheme ‘Guide to
Information’ has been reviewed and updated,
with a new 2011 version available online. It can
be found on the industry website www.nitb.com
within the ‘Freedom of Information’ section.
“We are striving to grow visitor revenue to
£1 billion and increase visitor numbers to
4.5 million over the next decade.”
For further information please contact the
Policy & Environment Manager Bob McMillen
Tel: 028 9044 1627 or Email: foi@nitb.com.
“Crucial to delivering these targets
will be our unique and outstanding
visitor experiences, many of which
are showcased in NITB’s spring
campaign.”
News
The installation of the new artwork, which is being
undertaken by Coleraine Borough Council, aims to
complement a £900,000 physical improvement
scheme that is currently being undertaken in the
seaside town.
The 12ft tall and 5ft wide sculpture, entitled ‘To the
people of the sea – sailing waves’, will create a focal
point for tourists who visit Portrush as part of their
journey on the Causeway Coastal Route and will
serve as a permanent tribute to the local
community’s rich maritime history.
NITB, through Tourism Development Scheme
funding, and the Northern Ireland Arts Council
have jointly-awarded £50,000 each towards the
East Strand artwork project. Last year, a £1 million
project was launched to improve the East Strand.
This ongoing work involves improvements to a
number of key sections of the promenade, including
the lighting, street furniture and landscaping in the
area. This overall improvement project is supported
by NITB, through TDS funding of £450,000.
Gillian Magee, NITB, is presented with the Gold Steps to Excellence award
by Patrick Loughrey of Forward Emphasis, and Richard Pengelly, DFP.
Quality Award for NITB
NITB recently achieved a Gold Steps to
Excellence at the Northern Ireland Quality
Awards which were held at the Ramada
Hotel in Belfast.
The award recognises the improvements that
NITB has made against the European Foundation
for Quality Management (EFQM) framework.
Signature Projects
News
Susie McCullough, NITB with US Consul General
Kamala Lakhdhir and Bryan Gregory, TFL,
at the Titanic Signature Building site.
Image of Saint Columb’s Cathedral courtesy of Mullarkey
Pedersen Architects.
The IoD Northern Ireland Director of the Year Award 2010-11 winners (l-r) Bill Beers, JCP Consulting, Jonathan Guest, MJM Group, Kathryn
Thomson, NITB, Ann-Marie Slavin, Opt2Vote, Mark Prentice, firmus energy, Aislinn Rice, Andor Technology plc and Tom Eakin, Eakin Group
of Companies.
Titanic
The Walled City
Belfast prepares to celebrate the centenary
of the Titanic in 2012, with projects gaining
momentum. The iconic Titanic Signature
Building, Titanic Belfast, is now at its full height.
2011 will see further progress with the Built
Heritage Project in Derry~Londonderry with
the completion of two more projects, Saint
Columb’s Cathedral and First Derry
Presbyterian Church.
Signature Projects
On other developments Harland & Wolff has been
reunited with the SS Nomadic as they skillfully
construct the vessel’s super structure as part of its
restoration project. Meanwhile, the sculptural ‘MASTs’,
part of the extensive Streets Ahead Project, have
been unveiled along Donegall Place. These striking
structures have been locally crafted and will help to
tell the story of Belfast’s maritime heritage.
The MV Confiance is now fully refurbished and
open for business, thanks to funding from NITB,
through the Tourism Development Scheme,
the Heritage Lottery Fund and Lagan Legacy.
Situated in Lanyon Quay close to the Waterfront
Hall, MV Confiance is Belfast’s first floating
visitor attraction.
To commemorate 100 years of the Titanic Story,
Northern Ireland will be hosting a series of major
events and festivals as well as seminars and
exhibitions, tours and trails this year and in 2012.
The Titanic 100 Festival, formerly
known as Titanic: Made in Belfast,
kicks off on 31st March and will run
for an extended period of 2 months.
For more information contact: Aine Kearney
Email: a.kearney@nitb.com Tel: 028 9044 1687
Signature Projects
The restoration of Saint Columb’s Cathedral started
in February 2010, with the work due to be completed
this May. NITB has contributed £2 million towards
total project costs of £2.6 million. Restoration work
has been carried out to the interior and exterior
stonework, the bell tower and stained glass
windows. The Cathedral will be officially re-opened
on 9th June, Saint Columb’s Day.
The First Derry Presbyterian Church restoration
is also due to be completed in May. NITB has
contributed £1.4 million towards the total project
costs of £1.8 million. The Church has not been
used for eight years, so restoration to the interior
and exterior will make it safe and allow it once
again to be used as a place of worship. A visitor
element is also being added with the Blue Coat
Museum, which will tell the story and history of
Presbyterianism in Ireland.
IoD Directors of the
Year Announced
The IoD Northern Ireland Director of the Year
Awards for 2010-11 have been presented to
local business leaders at an event in Belfast’s
Merchant Hotel.
The event was attended by Employment
and Learning Minister, Danny Kennedy and
sponsored by Parker Green International. Awards
were presented in seven categories, with Kathryn
Thomson, NITB, picking up the award for Public
Sector Director of the Year.
In January, the National Trust announced that
work has commenced on building the stateof-the-art visitors’ centre at the Giant’s
Causeway, World Heritage Site.
Work is also continuing on the Causeway Coastal
Route Interpretation & Infrastructure Programme
with a number of developments nearing
completion.
In Ballycastle, Moyle Council is
aiming to increase the visitor appeal
of the promenade area with the
installation of two pieces of public
art entitled ‘Children of Lir’ &
‘Leap of Faith’.
Visitor infrastructure works continue at
Loughshore Park, Newtownabbey. The works
include a new events space, public artwork and
visitor interpretation and will ensure that the
visitor site is a key gateway to the Causeway
Coastal Route.
For more information contact: Brian Connolly
Email: b.connolly@nitb.com Tel: 028 9044 1556
“The Director of the Year Awards
recognise, celebrate and reward
the achievements of established
and emerging leaders and directors.
The entrants in the awards were of
the highest calibre.”
Another significant project due to be completed
this year is the walk and cycle Peace Bridge. Work
began on construction of the bridge in 2009 and
is due to open to the public in June.
For more information contact:
Oliver McKeown Email: o.mckeown@nitb.com
Tel: 028 9044 1564
Signature Projects
Tourism Minister Foster with Tanya Cathcart, Fermanagh Lakelands, at the launch of ‘Enchanting Fermanagh’.
Enchanting Fermanagh
Audio Trail Launched
NITB’s Tourism Innovation Fund
contributed £22,500 towards the
‘Enchanting Fermanagh’ project.
The Causeway
Coastal Route
IoD Northern Ireland Chairman, Joanne Stuart said:
New Publications
Tourism Minister Arlene Foster launched
a new audio trail project to promote the
Fermanagh Lakelands.
Hilary McGrady, National Trust with Minister Foster and
Raymond Gilroy, Gilbert-Ash on site where work has begun
on the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre.
The IoD Northern Ireland Director of the Year
Awards categories are open to all business leaders
in Northern Ireland and the winners from Northern
Ireland will be nominated for the national awards
to be held in London in September 2011.
The Mourne Mountains.
The Mournes
The project has developed three tourist trails
stretching from West Fermanagh through to
Upper Lough Erne. A CD has been produced
to tell the stories, myths and legends of
Fermanagh, and they have been narrated by
local storytellers.
The project was made possible through the
Tourism Innovation Fund administered by
NITB and has been part-financed by the
European Regional Development Fund under
the European Sustainable Competitiveness
programme for Northern Ireland.
The trails are available on CD, from Fermanagh
Tourist Information Centre, and online
www.fermanaghlakelands.com
Shortly they will be available as Bluetooth
downloads for the visitor to take away on
their mobile phone, ipod or mp3 player.
Tourism Ireland
Implementation of the Mournes Signature
Project progresses with detailed designs
completed by the appointed consultants
Scott Wilson. Planning approvals have been
granted for projects within phase one and
elements of phase 2 of the Mourne Coastal
Route development plan.
Work is currently underway at several key sites
including Silent Valley, Annalong and Dundrum.
In addition the Mournes Upland Path project is
progressing and the Mourne Public Art scheme is
due to be completed soon.
Several projects now approach
completion, including Mill Bay and
Narrow Water. Key stakeholders
have joined together to establish
a ‘Mourne Destination Forum’ to
agree a development plan for
the area.
This will focus on areas such as product
development, marketing, events and business
development in the area.
For more information contact:
Catherine Calderwood
Email: c.calderwood@nitb.com or
Tel: 028 9044 1642
The London Eye has gone green to mark Saint Patrick’s Day.
St Patrick’s Celebrations Go Global
The London Eye, Table Mountain in South
Africa, the Empire State Building in New York,
the Sky Tower in Auckland and the Manneken
Pis in Brussels were just some of the iconic
buildings and attractions around the world to
‘go green’ this year to mark Saint Patrick’s Day.
The initiative also kicked off a major £23 million
spring promotional drive to restore overseas
tourism to growth.
Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland
said: “Over seventy million people around the
world claim links with the island of Ireland and
Saint Patrick’s Day is a truly unique opportunity
to reconnect them with their heritage and to
showcase our wonderful tourism product to a
huge global audience.
“Our message this year is that there
has never been a better time to visit
Northern Ireland and the island of
Ireland, with better-than-ever value
from industry partners here and
great things to do and see.”
News
New Publications
An insight event which addressed the potential
within the motor homes tourism sector in
Northern Ireland was held recently at the
Stormont Hotel in Belfast.
Hosted by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the
insight also set out to consider what is best
practice in motor home tourism.
The insight acted as a platform for discussion
between representatives from NITB, the Motor
Homes Association, the Caravan Club, the National
Caravan Council, as well as representatives from
local businesses and local authorities from across
Northern Ireland.
The motor home sector has shown strong growth
in recent years. Between 2002 and 2008 there was
an impressive 68% increase in motor home
registrations in the UK.
Specific ‘aires de services’ for motor home users
can be found at Carrickfergus, Broughshane and
Whitehead, and are also currently being developed
at Donaghadee and Annalong.
Events for Your Diary
News
At the Days Out Fair, John Conville, Rural Transport Fund for
the Department of Regional Development, Joyce Zeilnann and
Margaret Keery from Randalstown Seniors Club, and Rosemary
Lightbody, NITB.
At Down Arts Centre are Chairman of Down District Council,
Councillor Eamonn ONeill, Siobhan McCauley, NITB and Janine
Walker, Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
The Sod is Turned at
Down Arts Centre
Groups inspired by
Days Out Fair
Attending the motor home insight Chris Quinn from the Motor
Homes Association, Noel Cornick, DETI and Fiona Brewers,
the Caravan Club.
NITB Addresses
Potential of Motor
Home Tourism
News
Building work has commenced at Down Arts
Centre in Downpatrick, thanks to an investment
of £1.4 million from NITB, the Arts Council of
Northern Ireland and Down District Council.
Northern Ireland’s best days out were
showcased at a recent event held for group
trip organisers at the Ulster Folk and Transport
Museum.
Loughs Agency
Encourages Visitors
to Explore More
The Loughs Agency aims to develop marine
tourism and angling in the Carlingford and Foyle
areas, and has recently produced three videos
aimed at attracting tourists to these areas,
thanks to support from NITB’s Tourism
Innovation Fund.
The visitor can choose their
preferred language, English,
Spanish, Dutch, Italian, German
or French, and explore more of
‘Carlingford Lough’, ‘The Foyle’
and ‘The Sperrins to Lough Foyle’.
The ‘Great Days Out Fair’, which was run by NITB in
partnership with the Federation of Passenger
Transport NI, attracted over 500 group
representatives who wanted to learn more about
the best attractions and group itineraries on offer.
This annual event provides a unique forum for local
tourism providers to showcase the wealth of things
to see and do across Northern Ireland, with the
day-trip market representing a very important
niche sector within local tourism.
The growing interest in the day-trip market was
reflected in the increase in visitors to this year’s fair
with 540 registered group representatives in
attendance, an increase of 100 visitors on last
year’s event.
Check out videos at
www.loughs-agency.org
The diverse range of groups
represented this year included
sports and social clubs, church
groups, community associations
and special interest groups.
This project has been part financed by the
European Regional Fund under the European
Sustainable Competitiveness Programme
for Northern Ireland administered by the
Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
Local people and tourists alike are set to benefit
from an enhanced cultural tourism experience,
with a range of new services and facilities thanks to
the refurbishment and extension of the centre.
Operating as an Arts Centre since the early 1990s,
the building hosts a full year round programme of
events, performances, workshops and classes and
is the key driver of the cultural infrastructure in
Down District.
Extensive works are underway to both the exterior
and the interior of the existing arts centre, which is
a grade 2 listed building. A two storey annex on
Scotch Street is also being constructed, along with
a complete refurbishment of the interior space.
Once completed, the new building will provide an
exciting multifunctional centre with a ground floor
art gallery, an upgraded auditorium, bespoke
space for workshops and classes, a cafe and bar
along with a retail space and bookzone to
showcase local literature.
NITB contributed £390,572 through Tourism
Development Scheme funding.
Gallery
Titanic 100 Festival
31 March - 31 May
This year marks the centenary of many key milestones
of Titanic’s constructions as well as some significant
centennial anniversaries connected to the Titanic. The
two month Titanic 100 Festival will include a variety of
exhibitions, tours, plays, films and family fun.
Contact: Belfast Welcome Centre
028 9024 6609
NI Good Food Pavilion at
Balmoral Show
11-13 May
Food NI and NITB are working with local chefs to
feature authentic Northern Irish signature dishes
at the NI Good Food Pavilion at Balmoral Show.
To find out more visit www.nigoodfood.com
1
1. Construction work begins at Downpatrick and County
Down Railway, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund
and NITB. Visiting the site are John Wilson, DCDR,
Roy Armstrong of Armstrong Taylor Consulting Civil &
Structural Engineers, Michael Collins, Chairman DCDR,
Councillor Eamonn O’Neill, Chairman Down District
Council, Margaret Ritchie MP for South Down,
Stephen Bill, NITB and Paul Mullan, HLF.
2
2. Work begins on site at RSPB’s Portmore Lough
Reserve, thanks to funding from NITB, SOAR and
Ulster Garden Villages. Visiting as work begins are
Andy Best, NITB, Gregory Woulahan RSPB, Valerie
England from Ulster Garden Villages, John Scovell
RSPB and Connor McHenry from SOAR.
3
3. The Incoming Tour Operators Association (ITOA)
held their AGM in Belfast recently. ITOA were in the
city thanks to a successful bid by NITB. Welcoming
Fiona O’Sullivan, President of ITOA to the Merchant
Hotel in Belfast is Junior Minister Robin Newton.
Contact: Food NI 028 9024 9449
Garden Show Ireland at
Hillsborough Castle
20 – 22 May
This unique garden inspired event takes place in
the stunning surroundings of the walled garden at
Hillsborough Castle. For further information go to
www.gardenshowireland.com
Contact: Garden Show Ireland 028 9756 1993
Grand Garden and Craft Fair
at Mount Stewart
21 - 22 May
A fair full of everything crafty within the
magnificent garden setting of Mount Stewart
House and gardens.
Contact: National Trust 028 4278 8387
4
4. The potential of the activity tourism market
was highlighted at an NITB business insight
at Edenmore Country Club in Craigavon recently.
Enjoying the outdoors at the business insight,
are Chris Scott from CAAN, Martyn Todd, NITB
and John Hubbucks from Mobile Team Adventure.
5
5. The Cuan in Strangford recently marked its 200th
anniversary. In celebration of this historic landmark,
the proprietors have created a year long programme
of events, visit www.thecuan.com. Pictured at the
Cuan are Caroline McErlean, Liam Keating, Invest NI,
Colette Reynolds, NITB, Peter McErlean and Janice
Gault, NIHF.
6
6. NITB and the Merchant Hotel in Belfast recently
hosted a dinner for top selling agents from CIE
Tours based in the USA. Dawn Hewitt, NITB and
Adrian McLaughlin from the Merchant welcome
Karen Brooks from CIE Tours.
New Publications
Northern Ireland Tourism Awards
26th May
NITB’s Tourist Accommodation
Certification Scheme
Ramada Hotel, Shaw’s Bridge
The Northern Ireland Tourism Awards provide the
opportunity to recognise and celebrate tourism
successes. These awards are the premier industry
accolades and winning makes a clear statement
about the success of your business to competitors
and customers alike.
Contact: Creative Events 028 9023 5001
The Merchant Hotel, Belfast.
Changes are being made to NITB’s Tourist
Accommodation Certification Scheme following
industry consultation. The reason behind the
changes are to reduce, where possible,
regulatory obligations on businesses.
A new tourist accommodation quality development
and assessment scheme (star rating) is also being
introduced. Look out for correspondence from NITB
Quality and Standards team. Information will be
available on www.nitb.com and specific enquiries
can be emailed to QA@nitb.com