Officer to be appointed to promote local area

Officer to be appointed to promote local area

23 December 2015

THE body responsible for promoting Northern Ireland on the world tourism stage is to appoint a dedicated officer to focus on the Newry, Mourne and Down Council area.

Tourism NI is to make an officer available to help the local authority take forward projects to boost tourism and help attract more people to the area. The official will also work alongside local tourism providers.

The news was confirmed during a recent meeting in Newcastle attended by Tourism NI chief executive John McGrillen and the organisation’s chairman, Terence Brannigan.

Mr  McGrillen, who is a former Down Council chief executive and someone with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of what the area can offer visitors, met with local politicians and representatives from the Newcastle business community.

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie, who organised the recent meeting, described it as “successful” and is delighted Tourism NI will appoint a dedicated officer to work with Newry, Mourne and Down Council.

“We had a full and frank discussion about the projects and events we want to see Tourism NI pursing and assisting the local community with,” the MP continued.

“Throughout the meeting it was clear that the partnership between Newry Mourne and Down Council, Tourism NI and the local tourism industry will be vital if we are to see further development of the tourism product in the Mournes and St. Patrick’s Country.”

Miss Ritchie confirmed Tourism NI will shortly begin the process of appointing an officer to work with the local council and tourism industry to take forward projects and events that will bring direct benefit to our local tourism industry.

South Down MLA Sean Rogers, who was also at the recent meeting with councillor Laura Devlin, said such discussions are vital to help develop the local tourism product. 

“We need an integrated approach between Tourism NI, the local council and businesses. The Mournes and St Patrick’s Country have so much to offer and we really need to do all in our power to capitalise upon these assets,” he added.