Tourism NI attends Ulster University tourism summit 

The `Beyond the Green: Golf, Wellness & Hospitality’ conference, which took place at the university’s Coleraine campus, brought together key tourism and hospitality stakeholders from the North Coast and North West regions and industry experts to network and gain valuable insights into the significant contribution the sector makes to the region’s economy.

 

Those attending the event were welcomed by a host of guest speakers including Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Professor Malachy Ó’Neill, Director of Regional & Community Engagement at Ulster University.

 

The summit was made up of sessions which explored four areas - Golf Tourism, Sport and Activity Tourism, Wellness Tourism and Hospitality/Food and Drink Tourism.

 

During the session on Golf Tourism, Aine Kearney, Interim CEO of Tourism Northern Ireland, provided an update on The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush in July and the huge benefits hosting such a prestigious sporting event brings.

Eimear Callaghan, Head of Experience and Industry Development at Tourism Northern Ireland was among those who took part in a panel discussion.

 

Fellow panelists included representatives from Ulster University, Royal Portrush Golf Club, Hospitality Ulster, the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation, Andras Hotels, and Dunluce Lodge.

 

Among the topics of discussion for the panel were maximising the legacy of The Open, the promotion of local food, drink and hospitality offerings as well as ways to ensure tourism development is sustainable and benefits local communities.