
New chief executive of Tourism NI announced
She has worked for Tourism NI in the past as the director of product development, and, before that, as director of corporate development. She has also worked for National Museums Northern Ireland as public engagement director.
Earlier in her career she specialised in inward development, working in the United States for Invest NI, the agency responsible for foreign direct investment in Northern Ireland, and also for the North England Inward Investment Agency.
At Hillsborough, Mrs McCorry oversaw the conservation and management of the royal residence.
She is also a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire and board member of Tourism Ireland and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. She is the first woman to fill the role of Tourism NI CEO.
News Catchup - Monday 9th June 2025
Mrs McCorry said: 'I am delighted to have been appointed as Tourism NI's new chief executive.
'Tourism NI is a fantastic organisation with a passionate team and I'm excited to work together to grow the tourism economy in a way that benefits communities, businesses and visitors alike.'
Ellvena Graham, chair of Tourism NI said: 'I am delighted to welcome Laura as our new chief executive.
'Laura brings with her a wealth of experience in leadership in the tourism industry and her expertise will guide Tourism NI in our ambitious plans to support the delivery of the Minister's Tourism Vision and Action Plan.
'I would like to thank our outgoing CEO, John McGrillen for his exceptional leadership of the organisation over the past 10 years and wish him well in his next chapter.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
'Overlooked' holiday destination has Mediterranean beauty without the crowds
The Bulgarian Black Sea coast is often overlooked, but it offers many of the same benefits as Turkey's Mediterranean hotspots — and it's even cheaper Turkey was once adored by Brits craving sun, sea and bargain prices with fewer tourists in sight. Yet this stunning nation is now surging in popularity, with costs climbing accordingly. Skyscanner shows return flights from London to Bodrum in August beginning at £285 per adult. Factor in a seven-night stay at a four-star all-inclusive hotel for a family of four, and you're facing roughly £5,755, according to Fortunately, travel specialists at eurochange have revealed a destination boasting sandy shores, ancient heritage, vibrant villages and mouth-watering cuisine, reports the Express. The cherry on top is that it's even more affordable than Turkey. Travel expert's verdict on whether booking holiday on a Tuesday actually saves you money 'Underrated' European budget travel destination' costs just £160 for a weekend away "If you love the sunny coastal resorts, family-friendly atmosphere, and mix of culture and coastline that Turkey offers, Bulgaria might just be your next go-to destination," said Laura Evans-Fisk, the website's head of digital & engagement. "The Bulgarian Black Sea coast is often overlooked, but it offers many of the same benefits as Turkey's Mediterranean hotspots. "Resorts like Sunny Beach, Nessebar, and Sozopol combine sandy beaches, calm warm waters and plenty of activities for kids, but it's often half the price of popular Turkish resorts like Marmaris or Bodrum, especially during school holidays." It's not merely the coastline which mirrors Turkey — there are also parallels between Bulgarian and Turkish gastronomy. Laura explained: "Bulgarian cuisine also shares similarities with Turkish food, boasting grilled meats, fresh salads, pastries, and lots of yoghurt-based sauces - but it's incredibly affordable. Meals out won't dent your holiday budget much, and most restaurants cater well to kids and families. "Plus, Bulgaria is one of Europe's best-value destinations for all-inclusive holidays. Family resorts are designed with kids in mind, offering pools, kids' clubs, entertainment, and easy beach access. You get the full-service experience you might expect in Turkey, but for less." As an example, families can secure a seven-night break at a four-star all-inclusive resort for a family of four for just £2191, whilst in Turkey the identical stay would set you back £4,542.


Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Brit living in Spain shares reality of streets after months of tourism protests
Protests have been taking place in Spain over the last few months – and one Brit in Barcelona has now shared the repercussions this tension has caused on tourism Since April 2024, locals across Spain have been demonstrating against the issue of over-tourism all over the country – especially in major cities such as Barcelona and Malaga, along with popular holiday islands including the Canaries and Majorca. Demonstrations continued in 2025 as tourist season kicked off once again – with Spanish locals arguing that their communities are being gutted by skyrocketing rents, disappearing housing stock, and the unstoppable growth of short-term rental properties. This sparked numerous protests in key tourist destinations, including Alicante and Barcelona. Some locals were even seen yelling at holidaymakers and spraying them with water pistols. This has resulted in fewer tourists flocking to Spain – but people have begun filming the deserted streets of once-thriving cities and holiday spots, including Barcelona's city centre. British woman Laura, who has called Spain home for two and a half years, turned to social media to post footage of the abandoned city. "Day one of recording how quiet Barcelona is now the tourists don't feel welcome. The businesses must be feeling it," she captioned her video. Laura revealed the location was El Born in the centre of Barcelona. She explained that the video had been taken at 2pm on Wednesday, 13 August. The area of El Born is often regarded as one of the more fashionable quarters of the city. It boasts winding medieval lanes filled with high-end boutiques, the renowned Picasso museum and daytime cafés. Once a bustling hub for cocktail bars and samba dancing, the area is now eerily quiet following recent protests. Laura's footage highlights the deserted streets that were once filled with thriving shops, cafes and restaurants. Shockingly, only a handful of people can be seen wandering the expansive street. Even at lunchtime, restaurant tables remain largely unoccupied. Laura continued to document the ghost town throughout the day, capturing footage at 5pm and 9pm, times when the streets would typically be teeming with locals and tourists. In her final assessment, she lamented: "The streets are so quiet now. These businesses last year used to wake me up in the morning. One has just recently been renovated." Her video sparked a flurry of comments from concerned viewers. While some dismissed the situation as insignificant, others expressed worry over the potential economic impact. One critic commented: "Girl, it's quiet because it's 2pm." To this, Laura replied: "That's even worse if they are not in work and also not supporting their local businesses what the locals were filling up so much. This city doesn't stop. They will work all day and alternate shifts." Another commenter warned: "The way their economy is gonna crash all because of hatred." This sentiment was echoed by another viewer, who added: "The way they will be able to afford their own city again after that happens." Meanwhile, another individual commented: "To be honest, Barcelona residents have a right to be mad and I understand their frustration, but it's focused at the wrong people. "Airbnb and the government are the culprits. Tourism is important in every economy, there just has to be regulation on the capitalists who exploit it for profit at the cost of the local population." And a further person chimed in: "I wont go to Spain until I feel I will be welcome. The protests really put me off."


Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
The seven mistakes you're making on holiday that make you look classless & common & you won't realise you're doing them
Plus, how you should always avoid being tempted to ask for ketchup HOL-D ON The seven mistakes you're making on holiday that make you look classless & common & you won't realise you're doing them Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THERE is nothing wrong with being relaxed on holiday — indeed, that's the point — but there is a fine line between being carefree and appearing "common." An etiquette expert has revealed her golden rules for avoiding looking lower class as you unwind away from home. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 There are some telltale signs you look 'common' when you are away Credit: Getty 6 The Queen of Etiquette Laura Windsor shared her advice for not looking lower class on holiday Credit: Supplied Laura Windsor, the Queen of Etiquette, shared seven things you should immediately stop doing, according to Laura, if you want to look more upper class… 1. FLIP FLOPS For those of you who like city holidays it is a huge no no to walk around in flip flops. Flip flops should be reserved for areas such as the beach, swimming pools, locker rooms and for apocalypse scenarios. It also shows poor dress sense and a lack of situational appropriateness - restaurants do not pair well with ingrown toe nails, hairy and/or non-manicured toe nails. 2. HOGGING LOUNGERS Avoid saving sun loungers for your friends. It's similar to letting your friends jump the queue and is something one would do at school. It was annoying then, it's annoying now. You are all grown up now, there is no excuse. It also shows that you need to exercise some respect towards others and yourself. Moment holidaymakers sprint for sun loungers at popular tourist destination 6 Sun lounger wars are not 'classy' according to the expert Credit: Getty 3. SPAGHETTI WITH A SPOON Eating spaghetti with a spoon and fork - this is a huge no no. If you are ordering spaghetti you should eat it like an Italian - with just a fork. Twirling pasta round a fork does not require extra cutlery. It's just screaming 'tourist' and is an international signal for 'charge me double' plus a 20 per cent service charge on top of the cover charge. You should also avoid stacking plates for the waiting staff, adding salt to food before trying it, and putting your napkin in your collar. 6 If you order spaghetti, don't be tempted to use a spoon Credit: Getty 4. EARLY DRINKS When it comes to holidays, some people start drinking early - be it at the airport Wetherspoons or at the all-inclusive bar. Avoid drinking early morning and making a fool of yourself from that moment forth. Excessive drinking can put you in compromising situations especially on social media; do we really want to see you stumble to your seat and be in a catatonic state? Or sweating alcohol from your pores to the point that you are flammable or engage in innocuous behaviour such as talking or laughing too loudly, or being handsy with your partner, it certainly won't go unnoticed. Most Southern Europeans will sip their alcohol rather than gulp it down and accompany it with a proper meal! 6 You should avoid drinking in the early morning when abroad Credit: Getty 5. REQUESTING KETCHUP To be culturally ignorant is another big no-no. There is nothing worse than travelling to a country and expecting the local restaurants to provide you with your favourite sauces - ketchup, mayonnaise, chilli oil, daddy's sauce and other such monstrosities- eat what is offered as if you were a local, otherwise you might as well save your money and stay at home. Nothing screams 'ignorant tourist' than someone who does not follow or read up on the customs of the country they are visiting. Respect local customs - if the locals queue in a way that is considered unacceptable in your culture, instead of tutting and complaining; it's the time to follow the 'when in Rome' rule. 6. SOCKS AND SANDALS Socks and sandals should be avoided at all costs. You can spot a British person a mile away! 6 Socks and sandals should be avoided Credit: Getty 7. CLAPPING AS YOU LAND Applauding as you land? For what reason? Yes I can understand the incredible skill involved in landing a flying metal tube but no one died or saved a kitten. Are you lucky to be alive? Yes of course you are but then applaud every day. You are more likely to die crossing the road than travelling by plane. It gives the impression that you haven't flown a lot. No one is particularly impressed with an amateur tourist.