(TAN): Tourism Northern Ireland CEO John McGrillen recently visited Fermanagh to meet with local tourism industry representatives, as well as Councillor Chris Smyth, chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and Jim Chestnutt, chairman of Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism.
During his visit, 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.
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“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,” McGrillen said. “Covid-19 had a deep and profound impact on our tourism industry… 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,” he said. “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 of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, said, “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.”
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“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,” Smyth added.
Jim Chestnutt,cChairman of Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism said, “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.”
