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Belfast Telegraph
6 days ago
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
With the Open in the rear mirror now is a perfect time to step down after a decade as Tourism NI chief executive
While I have been chief of Tourism NI for the past 10 years, my connection with the local tourism industry goes back much further to 2002, when as a relatively young chief executive of Down District Council I was appointed as a board member of what was then the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB). Those were days of great optimism. Peace had become a reality and with it a real ambition to rebuild the North's tourism proposition. That ambition was matched with a political commitment and resources to deliver what were then known as the five tourism 'signature projects'. Titanic Belfast, The Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre, The Mournes, St Patrick and the Walled City of Derry. These projects would ultimately become the bedrock upon which much of today's tourism industry was built. Not unlike the recent debate around the Mourne Gateway Project, the naysayers and armchair tourism experts of the day branded Titanic Belfast a 'white elephant' and a 'waste of public money', only for it to very quickly become the catalyst for the transformation of Belfast as a 21st century tourism destination. My 16 years at Down and Belfast City councils provided me with the opportunity to have a 'hands on' role in the delivery of some of the important tourism projects of the day including the regeneration of Newcastle into a modern tourism town, the construction of the International Conference Centre at the Waterfront Hall and iconic events such as the MTV European Music Awards and the Giro d'Italia. This investment in both tourism infrastructure and events, which put Northern Ireland onto a global stage, has supported the local tourism industry to grow and to become one of the most important sectors of the local economy. The sector has grown to be worth over £2.3bn a year, bringing with it benefits and employment to every community across the region. With over three million visitors each year, we now welcome more visitors than we have residents with over 225,000 coming on around 150 cruise ships each year, figures which would have been unimaginable 10 years ago. Much of the growth in recent years has been driven by the increase in visitor numbers from the Republic of Ireland and the very lucrative golf tourism sector. And a lot of it is down to the success of the Northern Ireland – Embrace a Giant Spirit brand which has shaped the authentic experiences that our industry now offers the consumer and the associated award-winning marketing campaigns that have changed the perception of Northern Ireland as a short break destination. The growth of the golf sector is something we can be particularly proud of. The mix of world class golf courses, the staging of world class international tournaments – in particular the return of the Open to Portrush in 2019 – and the close collaboration between the industry, Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland in promoting Northern Ireland as a golf destination in overseas markets has all contributed to this growth. In 2019 we could never have imagined the Open would be back here just six years later or that we'd have seen the recent investment by US and local businesses in high end accommodation next to our leading golf courses. Another phenomenon during my time has been screen tourism, or 'set jetting' as it's become known. NI Screen has done a magnificent job in supporting TV productions which have showcased our people and our landscape across the globe. The past decade has also seen great collaboration between Tourism NI and the new super councils, which were formed just before I took up the role of chief in 2015. We all have limited resources, so it makes sense to work together to make the most of what we've got and to grow the industry. The other major trend in the industry during my time as chief executive has been the way digital technology has changed how the sector now works. Tourism agencies have had to respond and much of our marketing activity is now done through digital channels as opposed to traditional media. What I am most proud of however, is how the Tourism NI team and the tourism industry collectively responded to the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic in 2019 and delivering the Tourism Recovery Action Plan. The tourism industry was the first to be closed down by the pandemic and the last to reopen. In the absence of overseas visitors, we had to convince people here it was safe to go out and encourage enough people on the island of Ireland to take a staycation north of the border to ensure our businesses survived. We got huge support from the Economy Minister and Department for the Economy and we worked hard with businesses to improve the visitor experience and reduce costs. I'm also proud to have been involved in setting up the Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance, with the assistance of the current and former Tourism NI Chairs, Ellvena Graham and Howard Hastings. Looking to the future, these challenges include the barriers arising from the introduction of the ETA. Digital transformation will also continue at pace. AI is increasingly being used by consumers to create their holiday and short break itineraries. If international visitors numbers and dwell time are to increase then direct air connectivity into our local airports also needs to improve. Despite increasing climate change denial, the focus on sustainable or `regenerative' tourism is here to stay and tourism businesses and agencies will need to continuously consider their sustainability credentials, particularly their impact on the environment and local communities. To deliver on the Executive's Tourism Vision and Action Plan, Tourism NI needs someone at the helm who has the vision, commitment and resilience to deliver over the next 10 years. The incoming Tourism NI chief Laura McCorry will prove to be a brilliant leader. She is a strategic thinker, with great experience and highly regarded by everyone in the industry. The targets within the vision are ambitious and achievable. To deliver the vision however, the ambition must be matched with investment and the current state of the public finances makes that a real challenge. The planned investment in the City Deal tourism projects represents a major financial commitment and vote of confidence in the future potential of our tourism industry by both the local councils, and the NI Executive which is unmatched anywhere else in the UK. As my involvement with Tourism NI comes to an end, I believe these projects can be the bedrock on which the Minister's tourism vision can be delivered in the same way the signature projects did in my early days with the NITB almost 20 years ago.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Iconic BRIT awards coming to the Etihad Campus
Co-op Live has today announced that The BRIT Awards will be held at the arena in 2026 and 2027. The move to the Etihad Campus will mark the first time the event will be held in Manchester, following 47 years in London. Advertisement The BRITS celebrates the best in music and over the years the event has seen some of the most iconic performances and moments in award ceremony history. The announcement will see The BRITS join an impressive roster of events to be held at Co-op Live, with the arena having already hosted the MTV European Music Awards and the likes of Bruce Springsteen, The Eagles, Paul McCartney and Sabrina Carpenter in its first year. Roel de Vries, Group Chief Operating Officer at City Football Group, said: 'As Joint Venture Partners in Co-op Live, we're delighted to have The BRIT Awards at the arena for the next two years. The ceremony will be an opportunity to showcase Manchester and our growing campus to a global audience. 'In its first year alone, Co-op Live has hosted world-class music and sports events, and we're proud that through our partnership with Oak View Group and the work of Manchester City Council leaders, we'll be bringing The BRIT Awards to Manchester after nearly five decades in London.' Advertisement Co-op Live is a joint-venture partnership between City Football Group and Oak View Group and is located next to Manchester City's Etihad Stadium Development which will see the campus evolve into a world-class entertainment destination. Find out more about the project here.
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Maya Jama makes VERY rare TikTok about boyfriend Ruben Dias as she watches him play football
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MAYA Jama has made a very rare TikTok about her romance with footballer beau Ruben Dias. The Love Island host, 30, has been romancing Manchester City hunk Ruben, 28, since last year with the relationship seemingly hotting up over the past few weeks. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 Maya Jama has appeared in a rare TikTok about Ruben Dias Credit: TikTok / @farhiabashirr 6 The clip saw her crushing at him on the field Credit: TikTok / @farhiabashirr 6 The Man City ace has been dating Maya since last year Credit: Getty Now, the TV presenter has appeared in a brand new social media clip all about her love with Ruben. Posted by one of the star's close friends, the video was a fun light-hearted clip poking run at her crush on the sporting ace. Filmed as she watched Ruben from the crowd at his latest footballing match, Maya could be seen suggestively looking over at one of the players on the field as she lifted her sunglasses up. The camera they quickly zoomed in to focus on Ruben during his latest game. The clip was uploaded with the caption: "I think she got a crush." Just days before, the pair were spotted enjoying a cosy dinner date with one another. Ruben was spotted sweetly kissing his girlfriend's hand over the meal during a very tender moment. The couple were spotted at the The Summerhouse, which is a fancy seafood restaurant in London. It sits alongside the Grand Union Canal in Little Venice and is the perfect spot for an al fresco lunch. Maya's date with Ruben came as she finally made their relationship official on Instagram. Ruben Dias and Maya Jama's romantic debut at Baller League match After leaving the restaurant and getting into a cab, Maya recorded a short video of herself and Ruben for Instagram. It was the first time the telly presenter has acknowledged her man on social media. The star met her footballer beau at the MTV European Music Awards in November last year, but she has kept their relationship under wraps until now. Last month, we told how Maya had introduced Ruben to her mum Bernadette, with sources saying they are 'getting more serious'. Maya also revealed in March she was taking Portuguese lessons. Prior to getting together with Ruben, Maya was in a high profile relationship with rapper Stormzy. 6 It is Maya's first romance since Stormzy Credit: Getty 6 She shared a video of Ruben online earlier this month Credit: Instagram
The Irish Sun
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Maya Jama makes VERY rare TikTok about boyfriend Ruben Dias as she watches him play football
MAYA Jama has made a very rare TikTok about her romance with footballer beau Ruben Dias. The Love Island host, 30, has been romancing Manchester City hunk Ruben, 28, since last year with Advertisement 6 Maya Jama has appeared in a rare TikTok about Ruben Dias Credit: TikTok / @farhiabashirr 6 The clip saw her crushing at him on the field Credit: TikTok / @farhiabashirr 6 The Man City ace has been dating Maya since last year Credit: Getty Now, the TV presenter has appeared in a brand new social media clip all about her love with Ruben. Posted by one of the star's close friends, the video was a fun light-hearted clip poking run at her crush on the sporting ace. Filmed as she watched Ruben from the crowd at his latest footballing match, Maya could be seen suggestively looking over at one of the players on the field as she lifted her sunglasses up. The camera they quickly zoomed in to focus on Ruben during his latest game. Advertisement Read More on Maya Jama The clip was uploaded with the caption: "I think she got a crush." Just days before, the pair were spotted enjoying a cosy dinner date with one another. Ruben was spotted sweetly kissing his girlfriend's hand over the meal during a very tender moment. The couple were spotted at the The Summerhouse, which is a fancy seafood restaurant in London . Advertisement Most read in TV It sits alongside the Grand Union Canal in Little Venice and is the perfect spot for an al fresco lunch. Maya's date with Ruben came as Ruben Dias and Maya Jama's romantic debut at Baller League match After leaving the restaurant and getting into a cab, Maya recorded a short video of herself and Ruben for Instagram. It was the first time the telly presenter has acknowledged her man on social media. Advertisement The star met her footballer beau at the MTV European Music Awards in November last year, but she has kept their relationship under wraps until now. Last month, we told how Maya had introduced Ruben to her mum Bernadette, with sources saying they are ' Maya also revealed in March she was Prior to getting together with Ruben, Maya was in a high profile relationship with rapper . Advertisement Maya Jama and Stormzy's relationship timeline 2016 - 2018 - The couple moved in together in southwest London with the dog they shared, Enzo. 2019 – They announced their split after a four year romance. 2021 – Maya meets and gets engaged to basketball player Ben Simmons. July, 2022 – Maya calls off her engagement. November, 2022 - May, 2023 – The Sun revealed how Maya had been visiting Stormzy at his London home. August, 2023 - December, 2023 - July, 2024 – Maya and Stormzy 6 It is Maya's first romance since Stormzy Credit: Getty 6 She shared a video of Ruben online earlier this month Credit: Instagram 6 The pair have mostly kept their relationship under wraps Credit: Getty
Scottish Sun
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Maya Jama and City star Ruben Dias look loved up as he kisses her hand on romantic lunch after going Instagram official
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MAYA Jama and her footballer boyfriend Ruben Dias have been spotted looking seriously loved-up during a romantic lunch date. The couple were snapped at a waterside restaurant "flirting" together as they enjoyed their daytime meal. 12 Maya Jama has enjoyed a romantic lunch date with Ruben Dias Credit: Raw Image Ltd 12 The Love Island star and Man City player were snapped in London Credit: Raw Image Ltd 12 They 'flirted' their way through a meal by the Grand Union Canal Credit: Raw Image Ltd 12 Ruben gave Maya a kiss on her hand during their lunch Credit: Raw Image Ltd At one point, Manchester City star Ruben reached over and kissed Maya on the hand. The cute couple, who have only just gone Instagram official, were later spotted leaving the posh eatery while holding hands. An onlooker said: "Maya and Ruben couldn't keep their hands to themselves over some food and ice cream. They flirted for hours." Love Island host Maya looked sensational in a pretty denim dress with plunging neckline for her lunch date with Ruben. She teamed her frock with a pair of black kitten heels and wore her long hair in loose waves around her shoulders. Ruben, meanwhile, kept things low key by dressing in a plain white T-shirt, khaki chinos and trainers. The couple were spotted at the The Summerhouse, which is a fancy seafood restaurant in London. It sits alongside the Grand Union Canal in Little Venice and is the perfect spot for an al fresco lunch. Maya date with Ruben came as she finally made their relationship official on Instagram. After leaving the restaurant and getting into a cab, Maya recorded a short video of herself and Ruben for Instagram. MAYA Jama's romance with footballer Ruben Dias is hotting up - after she was introduced to his mum Bernadette It was the first time the telly presenter has acknowledged her man on social media. Maya told her 3.2million Instagram followers: "I posted the food pics once we had already left!" The star met her footballer beau at the MTV European Music Awards in November last year, but she has kept their relationship under wraps until now. Recently, an exclusive video shared by The Sun showed the couple hugging in a bunker behind the goal at the Copper Box Arena in East London. At one point, the Portuguese pitch ace pulled her in for a hug, planted a smooch on her cheek and then rubbed her back. Later, he playfully bit at the back of her neck. 12 Maya was spotted sipping on a cocktail Credit: Raw Image Ltd 12 She has been dating Ruben in secret for months Credit: Raw Image Ltd 12 The pair held hands across the table Credit: Raw Image Ltd 12 They chose The Summerhouse in Little Venice for their date Credit: Raw Image Ltd A source said: 'Maya and Ruben seemed very close, very loved up and were clearly very comfortable with each other. 'They were chatting to others around them but gravitated back to each other. They seem very happy with each other.' Last month, we told how Maya had introduced Ruben to her mum Bernadette, with sources saying they are 'getting more serious'. Maya also revealed in March she was taking Portuguese lessons. Prior to getting together with Ruben, Maya was in a high profile relationship with rapper Stormzy. The couple were in a relationship until 2019 before splitting for five years. They reunited in 2023 but called it quits again last summer. 12 Maya looked stunning in a denim dress and heels Credit: Raw Image Ltd 12 Ruben held her hand as they headed to their waiting cab Credit: Raw Image Ltd 12 Maya then went Instagram official with Ruben while in the car
