Uplifting trip to local businesses

Uplifting trip to local businesses

4 September 2024

TOURISM NI chief executive John McGrillen made a whistle-stop tour of the district recently.

Mr McGrillen met face-to-face with members of the tourism and hospitality industry and brought them up to speed on the support currently on offer from Tourism NI to help businesses recruit and retain staff, reduce costs, improve their competitiveness and to become more sustainable.

Among the places he visited was St John’s Lighthouse near Killough, where he met with Ethna Murphy, brand manager of Great Lighthouses of Ireland, and Phil Lawlor, Lighthouse technician with Irish Lights.

Having toured the lighthouse and nearby holiday accommodation, Mr McGrillen then travelled to Finnebrogue Woods, near Downpatrick, where he met Andrea McKee, the sales and operations manager, and Sasha McNamara, retail and events manager at Fodder in the Woods.

Mr McGrillen’s final stop was Kinedale Donkeys in Ballynahinch where he met Robert Wallace, owner and equine facilitator, who gave him a guided tour.

Kinedale Donkeys opened in the summer of 2020 during lockdown, and offers visitors the chance to enjoy cuddle sessions, donkey treks and therapy works.

Mr McGrillen said afterwards: “We have a wonderful tourism offering here in East Down.

“The rich and diverse range of brilliant accommodation, tour guides, restaurants, attractions and experiences on offer is the reason why Northern Ireland continues to attract huge numbers of visitors.

“The tourism industry is critical of the future success of the local economy and it is important that we support them as best we can.”

Mr McGrillen added: “It was really uplifting here in Co Down to meet so many passionate businesses, to listen to any concerns and try 

to navigate how we overcome them and continue to best support this important industry.

“They are all working extremely hard to give visitors a warm welcome and their efforts are to be applauded.”