Tourism NI launches Tour Guiding for the Deaf training course in Derry

Photo Caption: (L-R) Luane Quigley, from North West Regional College (NWRC) pictured with Eimear Callaghan, Head of Industry & Experience Development at Tourism Northern Ireland and Caitriona Porter, from Derry City & Strabane District Council, launch the Tour Guiding for the Deaf course in Derry

Following the successful delivery of a similar scheme in Belfast in 2024, which saw eight people graduate with a Level 2 NVQ qualification, the Tour Guiding for the Deaf course will now be delivered in Derry.

Funded and delivered jointly by Tourism Northern Ireland, North West Regional College (NWRC), Derry City & Strabane District Council and Foyle Deaf Association, the course is designed to ensure deaf visitors to Northern Ireland enjoy an inclusive experience.

The course was initially established after a volunteer who had been assisting deaf visitors to Belfast during his free time approached the tourism bodies to say he needed more training to guide tours accurately, adding that more people who use sign language should also be trained as tour guides as there is demand from deaf visitors.

Those who have signed up to take part in the course will complete four training sessions around Derry followed by assessments, before graduation next month.

The course has been launched just weeks after Tourism Northern Ireland hosted an Inclusive & Accessible Tourism Industry Workshop in Derry last month.

Aimed at tourism and hospitality businesses, the event encouraged the industry to learn more about how they can embark upon or continue their accessibility journey.

Tourism Northern Ireland also launched a new Inclusive & Accessible Tourism Toolkit which provides practical hints and tips, alongside reassurance and confidence, for tourism and hospitality businesses to move forward inclusively, however new or well-established the business is.

Eimear Callaghan, Head of Experience and Industry Development at Tourism Northern Ireland, said: “Tourism Northern Ireland is delighted to be working in collaboration with the deaf community, North West Regional College (NWRC), Derry City & Strabane District Council and Foyle Deaf Association to deliver this innovative course.

“Tour guides play a vital role in delivering our visitor experience, providing that personal touch and adding to the lasting memories of visitors’ time here.

"Our new Inclusive & Accessible Tourism toolkit will also help tourism businesses enhance their provision for visitors with additional needs. As a tourism destination, we want to ensure we can offer a giant welcome to all."