First tourism summit focuses on dividends of peace 25 years on from Belfast Good Friday Agreement

Leading tourism, food and drink, and sporting experts came together in June for the first Tourism Summit, focused on celebrating the dividends that peace has brought in terms of hospitality and tourism for the Causeway Coast and North West region but also to lay down a challenge for what can and needs to be achieved over the next two decades.

The summit set the blueprint for tourism to continue to thrive, reaching even newer heights in terms of success, and, as such, making a highly significant contribution to Northern Ireland’s economy and developing an enhanced civic pride that so many visitors from all around the globe want to visit, experience, and share what this magnificent place has to offer.

The conference focused on three main themes: fair winds, fairways, and fine fayre, through an excellent line up of industry speakers, including those from Tourism NI, Tourism Ireland, Visit Derry, City of Derry Airport, NI Tourism Alliance, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Northern Ireland Screen, Royal Portrush Golf Club, Food NI, Hospitality Ulster, Walled City Brewery, and a host of others.

Organised by Ulster University in partnership with the Londonderry and Causeway Chambers, this was the first time the two Chambers had come together to examine the challenges and opportunities ahead for tourism in a holistic way.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Ulster University Vice Chancellor, Professor Paul Bartholomew said, “Northern Ireland is a tourism success story. It has evolved from an industry which previously had to operate in an extremely challenging environment, not least due to the portrayal of Northern Ireland in international media which was often not conducive to attracting global visitors.

“Ulster University’s unique regional, multi-campus footprint, in Derry~Londonderry, Coleraine and Belfast, means that we can play a critical role in the region to protect, develop, and promote our unique locations, alongside world renowned natural features, such as the UNESCO World Heritage site.”

President of the Londonderry Chamber, Selina Horshi, also added, “The Londonderry Chamber is delighted to be supporting Ulster University’s Tourism Summit. Tourism and hospitality are industries which are vital to the economic success of the North West, generate millions of pounds for our regional economy, and sustain jobs and households.”