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Tourism NI’s head of digital explains plans for recovery

Digital development, increasing use of data and a vision of transformation for how the tourism industry gears up for the post-pandemic recovery are some of the priorities for Tourism NI as it prepares to revive Northern Ireland’s world-leading tourism status.

The recent Tourism Recovery Action Plan, launched by Tourism NI and DfE, has identified the need to support with adopting digital technologies to improve business processes and productivity, bolster online presence and revolutionise access to digital marketing platforms.  

Tourism NI’s Chief Digital Officer Dave Vincent explained that the work the organisation had been doing prior to Covid-19, as well as since the outbreak of the pandemic, will enable the Tourism Recovery Plan to be effective.

However, Mr Vincent was clear that digital tools, data sets and transformational plans needed to be considered as part of all tourism business planning, large and small, over the next 18 months.

“We have been doing a lot of work to improve how we support the sector,” he said. 

“But what we provide has to be seen as a business outcome as opposed to a digital outcome. 

“In the coming months and years we want people to think of it as their digital strategy, not just about their digital transformation.”

This doesn’t diminish the need for creating and distributing good, compelling content on websites and social media. What Tourism NI is doing is supporting businesses through the development of the organisation’s web portal.

When the pandemic struck, a Covid-19 Business Support Hub was established on TourismNI.com to provide support to the tourism community. The ability to create the hub is part of the vision to provide more support through the site.

“Part of our development is through the use of a destination management platform. It has a host of features such as listings, offers and partnerships” explained Mr Vincent, adding: “It’s in 900 destinations around the world, and we are using it for the Discover NI site and we have provided access to all 11 council regions.

“Visit Causeway, Visit Mourne, Visit Derry, Visit Lisburn and Castlereagh are already live and more will come, meaning visitors can see the same quality and content. They will be able to look at what is in each area and book, plan and make their time here better.

“It will mean we have the first real, collaborative platform which is certainly the direction of travel we at Tourism NI want to take.”

One challenge facing everyone in the industry is the ability to gather quality data on visitors.
Tourism NI is working to further develop its own data hub and dashboard of information which will enable the sharing of data.

“We are developing a dashboard that will be on the Tourism NI site and we aim to have as much data as possible for the industry” Mr Vincent said.

“This includes questionnaires completed at airports, sensors recording activity at places like the Mournes and Derry Walls, and a range of other data that can be shared.

“We’ve got the sensors, they tell a story about where people are. We have also acquired credit card data, so we can tell what our key markets are spending, where in the destination they are spending and what they are spending on.

“I’ve got telecoms data, and we’re also collecting review data in real-time so I can look back on the visitor experience.”

The Chief Digital Officer explained with the aggregated datasets the service to individual businesses becomes such that they are able to look at content, see the direction they may want to go in and use it as a service platform.

“The aim is for businesses to register and get access to a range of tools. They will also get access to application forms, they can see the status of claims, grants, mentoring,” he said. 

“It also means when the business has content we can share with a distribution platform, at the push of a button, have the content out on Visit GB, Trip Advisor, Booking.com, and many more. That will be even more powerful when people share their information.”

Part of what is enabling Tourism NI to action these plans is that they were in development for a period of time.

“When the lockdown happened we were ready as an organisation,” said Mr Vincent. 

“Our Cloud-based services were ready to support the industry and we had the platforms ready.

“From a digital perspective, there is no difference to those we work with if we are in the office one day and working from home the next.”

He added that Tourism NI’s lead role on working groups demonstrated the value of the organisation.

“All of a sudden we had the industry talking to Tourism NI and representing the industry in surveys, getting us feedback and responding and showing the value we have,” the Chief Digital Officer said. 

“Some in the industry might have thought we just sit in our offices and not understand what we do, but the journey through Covid-19 showed many what we can do with engagement and partnership.

“It showed it wasn’t just about grants, but we add value to the sector as a whole.

“Before there were aspects of what we do that were the only encounter businesses had, such as inspections and certifications.

“It has been quite transformational in terms of how we are perceived and understanding what we can do.”

Part of that has been the number of programmes Tourism NI has been able to deliver.

“From a business plan perspective there are many schemes we implemented last year,” he said. 

“We were able to tackle website development turnaround, as part of my role in influencing the direction of grants.

“Quite a lot of companies received investment in a website audit, with content and videography, so we are capitalising on that for both sides.

“This means businesses can engage in digital storytelling and their videos, website, and social media work together to explain what they do. Marry that with the Destination Management Platform and the business can work better, and we at Tourism NI have more tools to attract visitors. Our work with Tourism Ireland, also, is about making the online space one which funnels people to choose a visit to the island of Ireland.””

Mr Vincent said he understood the difficulties many businesses are having, and whilst there are many resilient in the uncertainty, others are struggling, and need to tackle some of the basics of working in the sector.

However, he is keen to support those, as the next period can help change attitudes.

“What the lockdown has done is accelerate some of the thinking around the digital-first customer experience and journey” he explained, adding: “This all works towards creating a very attractive proposition for potential visitors”. 

For more information on how Tourism NI can support businesses visit: tourismni.com/contact-us/covid-19-business-support-helpline

Twitter: @NITouristBoard

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/northern-ireland-tourist-board 

Graduates to exhibit as part of exiting creative team in Makers House 

Ulster University graduates from Belfast School of Art are set to showcase their work in Makers House at The Designerie in Bushmills. 

This partnership feels like a natural evolution for The Designerie.  A social enterprise, which is operated by Enterprise Causeway, it’s committed to supporting small businesses in the arts and creative sector.  

All involved are delighted to welcome the creative talent that Belfast School of Art have nurtured and help them grow in their business journey and the team at The Designerie and Makers House will now support them as they showcase their work on the beautiful North Coast. 

The first graduates to show their work will be Bethan McDonnell and Gillian Brownlow, their textile and fashion designs will be a welcome addition to the already diverse offer in Makers House and they join the established team of Linen Lane, Laura McIlveen Photography, Susan Francesca Hunter, Fee McToal Design and of course Taylor Yates. 

Jayne Taggart, Chief Executive of Enterprise Causeway said the partnership with Ulster University was another step in the journey of The Designerie’s creative space.

“The collaboration with Ulster University is hugely exciting and brings yet another cohort of creatives –this time with a focus on up and coming talent,” she explained. “This fits so perfectly with our purpose”.

The collaboration reflects Ulster University’s commitment to student and graduate employability and the growth of support initiatives for further developing enterprise and self-employment as viable career options.

Jackie Smyth, Ulster University Careers Consultant said, “The development of the residency programme for graduates is reflective of the changing economic landscape that many of our graduates will enter and this is a great example of the support programmes now in place for those seeking self-employment opportunities”.

Louise O’Boyle, Head of School – Belfast School of Art, has championed this collaboration due to the significant impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the creative sector, she said “our graduates will really benefit from this additional support and will thrive in this creative environment.

“The Designerie is a beautiful space and has such really lovely, interesting products in it,” she said. “For the graduates to be able to speak to the buying public in a very different type of workplace will be invaluable for them.” 

Louise is looking forward to the mentorship Enterprise Causeway will provide the team in terms of business acumen / support and with the retail environment Makers House provides and the skills of the creatives and team on site “You couldn’t have asked for a better launch pad” for our graduates. 

Leeanne Irwin, Business Manager at The Designerie said the collaboration is something all involved are really excited about. 

“The graduates will gain valuable experience from the established team in Makers House from product development to making your pieces commercially viable,” she explained. “This will include merchandising and engaging with customers. It will help them showcase their products to a wide range of customers and ensure they are able to grow their business.  All in the supportive environment of The Designerie where the team are always on hand for advice.”

This will be great news for The Designerie’s customers, the new addition of creatives to Makers House will give more options in terms of products and of course they’ll be able to meet the people behind the products and talk to them about their creative journey. 

The Chief Executive of Enterprise Causeway, Ms Taggart said this was the next step in the evolution of The Designerie, with the £4m investment in regenerating The Old Court House to a new state of the art creative space, on the horizon it’s very exciting times for all concerned. 

The Designerie has established itself as a destination for the customer looking for something special and unique and the Ulster University graduates will get to be part of this incredible journey. 

To find out more about Enterprise Causeway and The Designerie visit: enterprisecauseway.co.uk, thedesignerie.co.uk/

If you’re thinking of a staycation this year Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter has everything you need to have the perfect experience, from Instagrammable murals to delicious local dishes.

With a thriving nightlife, a whole host of arts and culture events and venues and some of the city’s best restaurants you won’t be stuck for something to do.

Here are 5 Hotels in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter that are perfect for your city centre staycation:

1. Ramada by Wyndham

For those looking to be situated in the heart of Cathedral Quarter, a stay at the Ramada by Wyndham is the perfect choice.

Located just a stone’s throw away from the Belfast Cathedral, known locally as St Anne’s Cathedral, and within walking distance of renowned local bars and restaurants in Commercial Court and the famous Hill Street, the Ramada by Wyndham is ideal for those looking to be at the heart of the action.

To book your stay, go to wyndhamhotels.com or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

2. Malmaison

Inspired by the Titanic, this boutique hotel situated near Custom House Square combines a sleek and contemporary style with luxury.

For the weary shopper, or for those looking to enjoy a night out on the town, Malmaison promises a taste of luxury at an affordable price. Their own Chez Mal brasserie even serves up fresh, locally sourced dishes alongside a refreshing cocktail.

To book, go to malmaison.com, or follow them on Facebook.

3. Premier Inn Cathedral Quarter

For those seeking comfort on a budget, the Premier Inn located on Alfred Street puts you right in the heart of Cathedral Quarter.

The local bars and restaurants that make Cathedral Quarter come to life are just on your doorstep. Located just a five-minute walk from Victoria Square and the other highstreet shops that make up Belfast City Centre, the Premier Inn is the ideal spot for staycationers.

To book your stay, go to premierinn.com or follow them on Facebook.

4. The Merchant Hotel

The Merchant Hotel promises five-star luxury in the heart of Cathedral Quarter. The impressive Grade A listed building contains a luxurious spa, a rooftop gym with panoramic views of the city centre, and a jazz bar for people to sit back and relax after a long day exploring all that Belfast has to offer.

The Art Deco inspired rooms with bespoke furnishings offer guests a lavish stay at one of Belfast’s most famous hotels.

To book your stay, go to themerchanthotel.com, or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

5. AC Hotel by Marriott

Sitting on the banks of the River Lagan, AC Hotels by Marriott offers guests a sophisticated haven within walking distance of the very best Belfast has to offer.

The AC Hotel by Marriott has thoughtfully considered each amenity to ensure guests are treated to an effortless relaxation experience. From glass enclosed double showers, to 49-inch smart TVs, to the delectable dishes served up at Novelli, led by multi-Michelin-starred chef, Jean Christophe Novelli, The AC Hotel by Marriott has something for everyone.

To book your stay, go to marriott.co.uk, or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.

To find out more about what’s happening in Belfast Cathedral Quarter head to the Destination CQ website at cathedralquarterbelfast.com

By Jessica Lawrence, Excalibur Press

From Monday 26 July until Saturday 4 September, The Market Place Theatre in Armagh will play host to a photographic exhibition by Michael Bradley, Colin Robins and Joonas Aitonurmi, entitled ‘Road Bowling in Armagh & Cork’. Part of The John Hewitt International Summer School, which is renowned for featuring local art and artists, the exhibition in the Theatre’s Main Gallery will be free to attend.

Road bowling, or ‘throwing the bullet’ is primarily associated with the Counties of Armagh and Cork. It is somewhat idiosyncratic as a pursuit, disputed as to its origins and in some ways seemingly a legacy of a previous era, involving nothing more than participants taking turns at throwing an iron and steel ball as far down a country road as possible. Yet healthy numbers continue to spectate and to stroll alongside the players whilst many frequently wager not insignificant amounts on the prospective winners.

The photographs in this exhibition show people and environments from these two regions, featuring both players and spectators of the sport. Photographs are by Michael Bradley, Cork, and Colin Robin, assisted by Joonas Aitonurmi in Armagh. Joonas Aitonurmi is a Helsinki journalist and writer, and Colin Robins is a Cornwall based photographer and lecturer at the University of Plymouth. Two recent collaborations resulted in exhibitions held in Helsinki at the Alexsanteri Institute, Finnish Centre for Russian and Eastern European Studies, and at Tiedekulma’s Crazy World conference.

To keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is delighted to announce it is reopening post lockdown and excited to showcase the visitor experience upgrades and latest facility additions to families this summer.

These state-of-the-art developments include a brand-new theatre experience, an inclusive and immersive sensory room and an interactive exhibition area.

Funded by the Department for Communities, the Planetarium now boasts the world’s most advanced Planetarium system, Digistar 7, created by digital projection specialists Evans and Sutherland. It’s ultra-high-resolution videos transports guests anywhere in the Solar System and beyond! The latest technology allows visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in a 360-degree dome experience where shows are played on the roof, using its new projection equipment. A truly out of this world experience that should not be missed.

The cleverly designed interactive exhibition area allows little ones to explore outer space and broaden their curiosity for the intergalactic phenomena.

Other additions include enhanced changing facilities to assist those with additional needs, as well as a modern sensory room that provides an enjoyable and calming multisensory experience for all our visitors, with features including bubble tubes and interactive exhibits. The new and improved shop and café upgrades add an extra ‘day-out’ feel to the visitor experience.

Sinead Mackle, Education and Outreach Manager at Armagh Observatory & Planetarium said: “We are over the moon to announce our reopening. The team and our suppliers have been working hard to get the Planetarium ready and we are really looking forward to welcoming visitors back. The new improvements will really amplify our visitor experience, creating long lasting memories and sparking a curiosity to learn more about space. With more people staying local this summer, we are anticipating a really busy season.

“The dome experience will also offer something unique for adults too, as we are screening shows featuring the music of either Pink Floyd or U2 on selected Friday evenings.”

Whilst visitor experiences have been closed due to lockdown, research continued.  Sinead adds, “Our astrophysicists and astronomers have been continuing their leading and valuable research, as well as student placements in place and study ongoing.”

Tickets for the dome shows are available to purchase online via www.armagh.space and pre booking is required. The Planetarium is open to the public Tuesday – Sunday.

As the incidence of oesophageal-gastric cancers continues to rise, the contribution of the healthcare professionals, who take charge of patients’ care has never been more vital.

Louise Collins is one of three oesophageal-gastric (OG) Clinical Nurse Specialists based at the City Hospital in Belfast. Louise and her colleagues, Karen Graham and Maureen Toner, look after anyone in the Belfast Trust, who is diagnosed with OG cancer. 

“Once a patient is diagnosed with OG cancer,” Louise said, “we pick them up through multi-disciplinary meetings, emails from consultants who have diagnosed them and outpatient clinics. We try and make contact with them as close to diagnosis as we can and support them through the whole pathway of their care. 

 “Once we’re in contact with them, we act as key workers by phoning them, or seeing them at clinic or on the ward if they’re admitted. Some people may already be experiencing symptoms and will require admission for nutrition. We see them in a variety of settings – new patient clinics, obviously during chemotherapy, during radiotherapy or during the time they’re admitted for surgery. We also provide a telephone follow-up service where, when people are discharged, we contact them for a period of time and then, after that, they can contact us as well if they have any questions or concerns. 

 “We work with people at all stages of the cancer journey.   We are Macmillan nurses but many people presume that Macmillan are for end of life and they worry, so we tend to introduce ourselves as OG nurse specialists and then, later on, we tell them we’re Macmillan. 

 “Once we pick people up, we follow them through to ensure they get all the tests and investigations that they need. We link in with their consultants, make sure that things are requested and then we follow through to make sure all of the tests are followed up and that they’re their case is discussed at the multi-disciplinary meetings. A lot of our work involves reassuring patients that we know about them and ensure that things move as quickly as possible. There has been a new initiative in the Belfast Trust that, once someone has their endoscopy and the consultant sees a cancer, there are a series of steps that they have to take.  The consultant orders the relevant tests at the time and emails us and the MDM co-ordinator.  We follow up to ensure the tests are done in a timely fashion and link in with the OG MDM coordinator to ensure their case is discussed. That was a new initiative established a couple of years ago.

 “While there are three of us in the Belfast Trust, there are also OGCNSs in the local Trusts and they will pick up people at, for example, Altnagelvin or Craigavon. It’s really about giving patients advice and information and supporting them.

“Some patients will have issues with their nutrition, such as difficulty with swallowing, vomiting or lack of appetite and we will be involved in helping with those symptoms. We link in with the dietitian who will work along with us. It’s really about providing information and symptom management.”

 As with most cancers, Louise is very aware of how important it is to get the message across that people should act quickly when they notice any unfamiliar symptoms or feelings.

“It’s vitally important people get symptoms checked as early as possible,” she continued. “Unfortunately, with OG cancer, the majority of people aren’t diagnosed until they have symptoms where the cancer is a bit more advanced, for example locally in the stomach or the oesophagus. But once it gets to a certain stage, it can go into the lymph nodes and then spread throughout the body, so early diagnosis really is the key. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the outcome. 

 “One of the problems with OG cancer is late presentation and, by that stage, the cancer is more advanced, which then reduces the long-term outcomes for those patients.”

As with many healthcare issues, the current COVID pandemic has caused more problems for patients: a fact of which Louise and her colleagues are more than aware. 

“There’s no doubt that COVID has just made the situation worse. Local Cancer Nurse Specialists would point out that people are presenting a bit later and with more severe symptoms, so the worry is their survival rates aren’t as good. I think over the next year we’ll probably see that being the case, but I think a lot of people don’t like to go to their GP at the moment. I would recommend, however, that if symptoms persist, then people definitely need to go and see their GP.”

 Louise is only too aware that, because the symptoms of OG cancer tend to be vague, people are less likely to act on them at an early stage.

“I think with some of our patients they’ll may have had an episode where their food sticking months earlier, but it only happened once. Once that happens, people will adapt their diet and eat more soft foods without actually thinking there’s anything wrong. Or they think they’ve got a hernia. It’s about getting that message out there – if people do notice that they have difficulty swallowing or have unexplained weight loss, then they need to act straight away. Anything that constitutes a change in habits or a change in their bodies needs investigated.”

 Historically, OG cancer has been seen as an ‘older person’s disease’ but as Louise and her colleagues fully appreciate, this is not always the case.

“We do know that it is generally a cancer that occurs in the older age groups, but we also have an increasing number of younger people – particularly people in their fifties – now being affected, even though the average age is supposed to be around late sixties. Also younger people need to be aware so that if they see symptoms in their parents or grandparents, they can encourage them to do something about it.

 “I think the main stage we see people at is when the cancer has started to affect their eating. They either can’t eat or the food sticks and that puts them off eating the rest of their meal. 

“On occasion they may not be able to get food down and that will make them regurgitate their food, so they’re not eating as much and, as a result, will lose weight. People with stomach cancer may feel full very early or they’ve got reflux or indigestion and that puts them off their food, so they’re eating less.

 “Anyone who has presented at their GP surgery with such symptoms and the symptoms haven’t improved, needs to go back to the GP within a couple of weeks and let them know nothing has changed. Sometimes people can see different GPs at different appointments, so it’s vitally important that they relay to each GP what has happened before…..join the dots if you like. It’s really just about pushing and saying ‘I need something done about this’. The OG Cancer NI campaign is giving everyone the opportunity to talk about a disease that hasn’t been in the spotlight before and it’s time that this cancer and its symptoms were highlighted so that more people can be diagnosed and treated at an early stage.”

With the weather in Northern Ireland heating up, what better time to get out in the city and enjoy the many beer gardens that Belfast has to offer. 

From burgers and pints to cocktails and charcuterie there is really something to suit all tastes available in the Cathedral Quarter. 

Here are 7 Beer Gardens in the Cathedral Quarter to check out this summer: 

1. The Thirsty Goat

As one of Belfast’s newest offerings in the Cathedral Quarter, The Thirsty Goat boasts a spacious outdoor seating area, right at the entrance of Hill Street. 

Offering everything from a perfectly pulled pint to local gin serves, there’s certainly something to suit all tastes.

To find out more go to thethirstygoat.co.uk or follow them on Facebook or Instagram

2. The Dirty Onion

If you’re looking for a beer garden that has it all then The Dirty Onion is the place to go offering pints and chicken, what more could you want? Serving up their famous Yardbird chicken and sides alongside an extensive drinks menu, The Dirty Onion has quickly become a firm favourite of the Cathedral Quarters visitors. 

Offering a wide selection of craft beer options and the option to bring your four legged friend, it provides the perfect spot for chilled weekend drinks.

To find out more go to thedirtyonion.com or follow them on Facebook or Instagram

3. The Dark Horse Courtyard  

If you want to soak up the rich arts scene of the Cathedral Quarter in Belfast’s best kept secret, look no further than The Dark Horse Courtyard. 

Centering around an oak tree the courtyard features a gallery of custom street art inspired by Belfast’s rich history, including the words of Seamus Heaney cut into stone. 

With exclusive access only through the Dark Horse the courtyard provides the perfect escape to relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city.

To find out more go to dukeofyorkbelfast.com/the-dark-horse-courtyard/ or follow them on Facebook 

4. The National Grande Cafe 

The National’s new beer garden offers paired backed cocktails and casual dining. 

With a signature menu of ‘Summer Swalls’ including a ‘Froze’ – a Frozen Rose Cocktail or a Classic Pimms Cup. 

Having teamed up with the ever popular ‘Coq Burger’ visitors won’t go hungry with a garden menu of burgers and sides available until 8pm everyday. 

To find out more go to thenationalbelfast.com or follow them on Facebook or Instagram

5. The Sunflower

The Sunflower has quickly become a favourite amongst Belfast punters. 

Serving signature woodfired pizza and a large selection of beers and ciders it’s the perfect place to waste a summer day. Priding themselves on being dog friendly the Sunflower even offers bowls and treats for your furry friends. 

To find out more go to sunflowerbelfast.com  or follow them on Facebook

6. The Second Fiddle

Belfast’s newest beer garden on Waring Street offers al fresco dining and pints from 12pm each day. 

In lieu of live entertainment the bar is also offering free Bodhran Irish drum lessons, the bar has a strong focus on local artists and their upcoming ‘Handed Down’ sessions will feature traditional music reworked by local artists. 

To find out more follow them on Facebook 

7. The Maverick

Whilst not strictly known for its beer garden, Maverick’s new outdoor area offers the perfect opportunity to relax in the sun. 

Serving their signature Gorge Boards (a charcuterie board packed with a selection of seasonal, cheese, meat and chutney) and Jugs and Kisses cocktails, The Maverick provides the perfect weekend retreat. 

With regular drag shows, guests are sure to be entertained during the visit.

To find out more go to themaverickbelfast.com or Follow Them on Facebook or Instagram 

To find out more about what’s happening in Belfast Cathedral Quarter check out the Destination CQ website at cathedralquarterbelfast.com

By Hannah Chambers, Excalibur Press

Tourism NI recently held its first ever virtual Tourism Conference at Belfast’s ICC. Chief Executive John McGrillen outlines the main themes of the Tourism Recovery Action Plan, launched with the Department for the Economy, which was a key topic of the conference. 

By John McGrillen, Chief Executive Tourism NI

We are now half way through 2021 and have spent the last sixteen months dealing with global events that have affected every facet of our lives.

Today with the successful roll out of the vaccine programme, the lifting of restrictions and the opening up of the Common Travel Area I am hopeful that by the end of 2022 the tourism industry in Northern Ireland could be back to 80% of the activity and employment levels of 2019 and see a full recovery by the end of 2024.   

Since 2013 tourism has grown by 46% to achieve an unprecedented £1bn in revenue in 2019, of which £731m were export earnings.

The tourism, travel and hospitality sectors employed approximately 70,000 people in 2019, with 12,800 new jobs created since 2013. This was double the growth in jobs experienced in other sectors of the economy over the same period. These jobs were generated in every part of Northern Ireland with over two thirds of jobs located outside Belfast.

Tourism provides passengers for our public transport and supports sea and air routes; it generates revenue to support our culture and heritage assets and can contribute to the protection of our natural environment; it provides revenue for central and local government and promotes a positive image of Northern Ireland overseas, supporting foreign direct investment.

A wide range of tourism interventions have been introduced over the last sixteen months and in May the Tourism Recovery Steering Group, headed by former Economy Minister Diane Dodds, produced an Action Plan that resulted in more much needed and timely support. 

The Plan has eight themes. Under Business Continuity a new KickStart programme will help businesses restructure, innovate and enhance their productivity. We will also support businesses to maintain and enhance their marketing activity to increase sales. 

We will be providing support to councils to enhance visitor experiences and develop new offerings. There will be a particular focus on food and drink experiences as part of this approach. We will also support with market testing and feasibility studies for future projects, and we intend to continue with our abatement of accommodation certification charges until March 2022.

The second area, Creating Consumer Confidence, will see the continued roll out of  the “We’re Good to Go” charter mark to allow the industry to demonstrate that safety is a priority, and that they are committed to the application of COVID safety guidelines. 

The third theme, Stimulating Consumer Demand, will ensure that Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland are adequately resourced to generate demand. In the immediate term the focus will be on the domestic, GB and Republic of Ireland markets, with an extension of our cooperative marketing fund.

As an island destination, sea and air access are critical to the tourism infrastructure so Safeguarding Connectivity is the fourth theme, with an immediate priority to re-establish GB routes. I therefore welcome Economy Minister Paul Frew’s announcement of a £4.5million initiative to support air connectivity between Northern Ireland and GB which has also been warmly welcomed by the directors of our three airports. 

The Action Plan also supports the industry’s request that the NI Executive continues to lobby for a suspension of short haul Air Passenger Duty (APD). APD has a disproportionate impact on Northern Ireland and has the potential to have a negative impact on recovery.

Enhancing the Competitiveness of the Region is the fifth theme and will highlight the investment required to provide greater access to our natural assets, while ensuring that they are managed sustainably for future generations. 

The City and Growth Deals present a unique opportunity for major investment in tourism infrastructure and will build on the success of the Signature Projects a decade ago. 

By Enhancing the Capability of Businesses, the next theme of the Action Plan, we intend to support with adopting digital technologies to improve business processes and productivity, bolster online presence and revolutionise access to digital marketing platforms.  

Under the theme of Enhancing the Skills of the Workforce we will be working closely with colleagues in the Department of Communities through the JobStart Programme to create new jobs and match job opportunities to prospective young employees. Through the Hospitality and Tourism Skills (HATS) network we will seek to ensure that sector wide skills requirements and career progression paths are effectively communicated and supported.

The final theme of the Tourism Recovery Action Plan is Creating a Supportive Policy Environment and here we seek to develop a new tourism strategy to maximise Northern Ireland’s tourism potential with a unified focus on sustainability and regeneration. Working collaboratively to deliver more sustainable economic, social and environmental outcomes will be critical to ensuring Northern Ireland’s reputation as a world class tourism destination. 

Successful delivery of the Action Plan will require us all to work together in partnership, from government departments and tourism agencies to local councils, representative bodies and most importantly the industry.

I am confident that the priorities within the Action Plan will support the recovery of our tourism industry to meet the needs of future visitors, create sustainable employment and make a positive contribution to local communities right across Northern Ireland  

Northern Ireland’s largest cultural diversity festival, the 15^th Belfast Mela, sponsored by Sensata Technologies will take place across the city this year starting on Monday 23 August and running until Sunday 29 August.

A wonderful line-up of music, dance, cookery, visual art, theatre and wellbeing from around the world is planned, led by artists and performers who have made Northern Ireland their home.

U105’s Carolyn Stewart and UTV’s Paul Reilly will host a spectacular FREE ‘Mini Mela’ celebration on Saturday 28 August transforming the city centre into a global village with a pop-up programme of music, dance and art, as current Covid restrictions would make a return to Botanic Gardens for the traditional Mela format unworkable until 2022.

However, all week starting from Monday 23August, ArtsEkta, organisers of the Belfast Mela will be bringing the magic of Mela to outdoor spaces and venues across the city – North, South, East and West as well as the city centre with events to celebrate cultural diversity. Highlights include a Silk Road Supper Club eveningcelebrating food and traditions of our newer communities; a Caribbean Carnival night; the first Global Ceili of its’ kind in the city fusing together Irish trad, Indian and Chinese dance; a spectacular Luminate large scale outdoor lighting event in CS Lewis Square; Taste the World at St George’s Market; as well as lunchtime tasting tours; a beautiful evening of Sufi Music at St Anne’s Cathedral and Wonder Walks, an immersive family storytelling experience.

A spectacular FREE outdoor cinema event is also being planned with showings of Danny Boyle classic Slumdog Millionaire fused together with live Bollywood dance from ArtsEkta’s South Asian Dance Academy and an Indian Summer BBQ on the 28 and 29 August.

Nisha Tandon OBE, Founder of the Belfast Mela and Director, ArtsEkta said:

“Seven is a very special number for this year’s Belfast Mela Festival, with the seven continents and the seven seas we decided to put on seven days of Mela to reflect Northern Ireland’s growing diverse communities from all over the world.

“Following our successful Virtual Mela at Home last year which attracted an audience of over a quarter of million people worldwide, we are optimistic that given the current vaccine roll out in Northern Ireland we will be able to put on a series of wonderful events across the city this August.

“While it will not be possible again this year to hold the large-scale event at Botanic Gardens which normally attracts in excess of 30,000 people, we want to make sure the joy and positivity for which the Belfast Mela is renowned reaches as many people as possible while respecting current public health guidance as we emerge from the pandemic cautiously.

“Therefore, we are planning a week-long programme this Summer, with exciting events being organised in a variety of venues and public places in different parts of the city which everyone can enjoy in a safe and responsible way. Audiences can look forward to a spectacular return of Mela at Botanic Gardens in 2022.”

Tickets for selected Belfast Mela events are available to book via https://belfastmela.org.uk. Full details of the complete Belfast Mela 2021 programme will be announced in early August.

The Belfast Mela is principally funded by Belfast City Council with support from Arts Council for NI; Tourism NI, Community Relations Council; National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Lottery Community Fund, Public Health Agency and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. The title sponsor is Sensata Technologies and Media Partners are UTV and U105.

With holidays abroad off the cards for many this summer the National Trust is encouraging everyone to get back to basics and enjoy a summer filled with simple, sensory pleasures.

The unmistakable smell of freshly cut grass, the reassuring sight of blue and sunny skies, the first glimpse of the sea, the tickle of grass between your toes. Nothing comes close to summer at home. And it’s finally here. National Trust gardens and parkland are popping with colour, woodlands are alive with chirping birds, meadows are swaying in the breeze and lakes are glistening – ready for exploring.

What’s more, a number of National Trust places will be encouraging everyone to experience these simple, sensory pleasures with their summer activity programme ‘Get Set, Go’.

Thanks to funding from Sport England, visitors will be able to have a go at over 20 different activities such as ‘go barefoot’, ‘make a splash’, ‘work together’– to stretch those lockdown legs – to explore and get outdoors together – and to connect with nature.

A range of downloadable activities will also be available online, for everyone to enjoy – with simple ideas for making the most of summer in the garden, the local park or even (whisper it), for rainy days spent indoors.

The conservation charity is also inviting people to participate in a special six-week series of sensory #NTchallenge(s) across Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to build on the established #NTchallenge on Instagram. Weekly challenges kick-off on the 23 July with themes including scents of summer, sounds of summer, taste of summer and more.

Here’s the National Trust’s pick of the best places to enjoy this summer

Mount Stewart, County Down

Take a dive into forest bathing, hunt for hidden digital treasures with geocaching or try your hand at archery. Make a bee line for the Magic Ink Pot, a natural play area themed around magical journeys and mythical creatures; or see what strange and exotic animals you can find in the ark in the Italian Garden. Pick up your Get Set, Go pack from the courtyard outside Visitor Reception and chose your own adventure.

Pre-booking recommended visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mount-stewart

Castle Ward, County Down

Choose to go barefoot in the wildflower meadow, hit the target while buzzing along with the bees, Get Set Go in a potato sack race, catch your breath during a yoga pose, or find your way through the estate with a natural sensory trail.

Pre-booking not required, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-ward

The Argory, County Armagh

Challenge friends and family at Blackwater Bootcamp. How high can you jump? How much can you lift? Enjoy schoolyard skipping and tennis on the lawn; compose a nature tune in the giant arbour sound boot; try your hand at some Argory Art or help the next generation of cyclists learn to ride on the new free-to-hire balance bikes.

Explore the house at your own pace on a self-guided tour and take on the sporting challenge to see how many tennis balls you spot along the way. Book your self-guided tour ticket at Visitor Reception on arrival.

Pre-booking not required. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-argory

Castle Coole, Florence Court and Crom, County Fermanagh

Grab a Get Set, Go card at Castle Coole, Crom or Florence Court and create your own adventure as you explore the activities at each place. You can make a splash at Crom, add some bounce at Castle Coole, or follow the path at Florence Court, all whilst noticing nature at each of these special places.

For a quieter adventure, enjoy the wellness walk at Castle Coole or the sensory walk at Crom and enjoy the peace and tranquillity with your family.

Pre-booking not required visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/crom www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-coole   www.nationaltrust.org.uk/florence-court

Rowallane Garden, County Antrim

Download the Plant Hunter activity pack and embark on a journey through history as you meet some of the daring plant hunters that first discovered the plants and trees waiting to be found in the garden. Along the way, venture into Explore & Play, a natural playground filled with challenges based on the plant hunter’s passport. See if you can survive the swamp, find the tallest trees and get active in nature. Don’t forget to pick up a Get Set, Go card to inspire your summer adventure. ‘Find your way’ to explore new paths and discover different natural textures, or ‘feel the beat’ to tune in to the sounds and rhythms of nature.

Pre-booking recommended, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/rowallane-garden