Local Industry Welcome Tourism Chief to Derry~Londonderry

The Peace Bridge. Pictured L to R, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Graham Warke and John McGrillen, CEO Tourism NI.

During his visit, Mr McGrillen met with the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Graham Warke to discuss the districts progress towards recovery and the councils plans to draw more visitors to the area. Mr McGrillen also spoke with business owners and staff across the city to find out how they are facing the continued challenge of the pandemic.

The visit concluded with a site tour of the Eden Project Foyle and an overview of its plans to increase the number of visitors to the area and boost the local economy.

Speaking after the visit, John McGrillen said:

“I was delighted to be in Derry~Londonderry to meet with representatives of the local tourism industry and to hear how businesses are doing during these very challenging times.”

He added: “The outbreak of the COVID-19 had a massive impact on the tourism and hospitality sector. The Tourism Recovery Action Plan will play a key role in helping the sector thrive now and in the future. Recovery will take time, however I am confident that by the end of 2022 the tourism industry in Northern Ireland could be back to 80 percent of the activity and employment levels of 2019 and see a full recovery by the end of 2024.

“Thank you to Odhran Dunne and the Visit Derry team for hosting my visit. It was great to see the new Visitor Information Centre which brings to life all the experiences and attractions the city has to offer. It also compliments our experience brand, Embrace a Giant Spirit and sends a clear message to the people here that they should support local and explore what is on our doorstep.”

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Graham Warke, said: "It was fantastic to meet John and welcome him to the Guildhall.

“We had a great discussion about the fantastic tourism offerings within our city and district, and the potential for the future as we look ahead to welcoming more visitors back to this region in the months ahead.

"I look forward to continuing our close relationship with Tourism NI and all partners to promote our council area as a prime tourist destination."Brook Hall Estate. Pictured L to R, Barney Toal and Eamonn Deane of the Foyle River Gardens charity, Karen Henderson, Sales and Marketing Manager at Visit Derry, John McGrillen, CEO Tourism NI and Clare McGee of the Foyle River Gardens charity.Holiday Inn Express Derry. Pictured L to R, Brendan Duddy, Owner and Manager of the Holiday Inn Express Derry, Karen Henderson, Sales and Marketing Manager at Visit Derry, John McGrillen, CEO Tourism NI, Odhran Dunne, CEO Visit Derry and Aoife Thomas, Sales Manager, Holiday Inn Express Derry.

For more information on how Tourism NI can support businesses visit: Build your Tourism Business - Support | Tourism NI

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