Well done to estate staff for top service to tourists

SIR, — When it comes to service, the perceived wisdom over many years has been that Northern Ireland’s tourism professionals still have a lot to learn from other destinations. However, having spent a week introducing two Australian visitors to the delights of the Strangford Peninsula, I now beg to differ.

Bouyed up by unusually good weather, we toured the region, armed with fantastic literature and promotional information from Down District Council’s Tourism Information Centres, and were met on all sides by outstanding hospitality, coupled with good value and high standards.

In particular, a visit to the National Trust property at Castle Ward earned admiration. We arrived too late for the official guided tour of the splendid house, but were courteously informed that, if we enjoyed the grounds for half an hour, we would then be able to view the house when it opened for unescorted afternoon viewings. 

When we asked the gardener who was working nearby for the name of a particular plant, he immediately took us on a whistle-stop tour of the fabulous sunken gardens and provided a fabulous insight into both the history and current life of the Castle Ward estate and gardens. When we went into the house, the duty guide happily took us around and provided a running commentary that was as humorous and entertaining as it was packed with historical detail.

Perhaps we are all guilty of taking for granted what we have on our own doorstep — not only our wonderful scenery and attractions but, just as importantly, the people who work so hard to build our tourism sector. If my experiences are anything to go by, our tourism sector is in very good hands.

Yours etc.,

ROSEMARY HAMILTON,

Downpatrick Road,

Killyleagh.