Tourism NI’s Chief Executive Meets Fermanagh Industry Representatives

Pictured at Enniskillen Castle (L to R) are John McGrillen, CEO Tourism NI, Cllr Chris Smyth, Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Jim Chestnutt, Chairman of Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism.

During his visit, Mr McGrillen spoke with owners and staff across a number of local businesses in the tourism and hospitality industry to discuss the impact of Covid-19, the importance of staycations and to learn about the measures they have put in place to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.

“I was delighted to be in Fermanagh this week to meet with representatives of the local tourism industry and to hear how their businesses are doing during these very challenging times. It was great seeing so many people, locally and from the Republic of Ireland, enjoy all the brilliant hoteliers, tour guides, restauranteurs and visitor attractions in the area. Covid-19 had a deep and profound impact on our tourism industry, so as we navigate the impact of Covid-19, we want to send a clear message to our visitors that our local industry is working very hard to give them a warm and safe welcome back.”

“As we move into the autumn period, we want to continue to press home the message that Northern Ireland really has everything when it comes to enjoying a holiday. There are new adventures right on our doorstep waiting to be explored, while at the same time supporting an industry vital to our local economy. To promote this message, we launched our marketing campaign at the end of June, featuring our new brand, Northern Ireland Embrace a Giant Spirit. We also recently launched an exciting new Tourism Northern Ireland TV ad that encourages people to enjoy a short break at home sometime in the next few months.”

“Typically, 30% of our overnight spend is domestic but less people are travelling abroad now, and they might want to take a holiday at some point. It is the perfect time for our domestic market to stay local this year, while still getting away and in doing so you will be supporting an industry that is vital to our economy."      

Councillor Chris Smyth, Chairman, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council commented;

“​I was delighted to welcome Mr McGrillen to the Fermanagh and Omagh District and to avail of the opportunity to appraise him of the importance of the tourism sector to the economic wellbeing of the district. Our district is blessed with award winning attractions, a spectacular natural environment with a wide range of outdoor activities and pursuits, historic buildings, sites and a fantastic retail and hospitality offering. 

“The reopening of accommodation, visitor attractions, hospitality, retail and activities, in line with official advice and guidance, has been a welcome step in the journey to recovery. Many businesses across the district signed up to Tourism NI’s ‘We’re Good to Go’ consumer mark providing further reassurance to visitors that they could enjoy a safe experience.”

“The tourism sector is a key economic driver in the local area, vital to jobs and livelihoods. We were delighted to welcome visitors back to Fermanagh and Omagh this summer to experience and enjoy all that it has to offer, and were delighted also that many of our residents became tourists at home with so many things to see and do right on their doorstep.” 

Jim Chestnutt, Chairman, Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism added;

“On behalf of Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism, I was delighted to meet with Mr McGrillen during his visit to Fermanagh.  All of the tourism industry has rallied since restrictions were lifted and many businesses recorded good numbers during the summer months. While bookings are also looking up for the Autumn period, we can in no way be complacent.  There will be significant challenges ahead as businesses try to navigate through the next few months. However, many of the businesses are working collaboratively with Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism on the Autumn campaign as we encourage more staycations to the region.”