54 | THE LOCAL TOURIST
Tourism NI Supports Major UEFA Women’s Youth Tournament
TOURISM Northern Ireland has announced it will be
providing for the UEFA Women’s Under-17
Championship that kicked off this week. The tournament will see matches take place in Belfast, Coleraine and Larne, showcasing Europe’s emerging female footballers. Held by the Irish Football Association (IFA) the event will be held across multiple venues over two weeks will the top sides advancing to the semi-finals and then on to the final which will be held at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park. The finals will be the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA Women’s Under 17 World Cup in Morocco. The tournament is one of 16 events to receive funding through Tourism NI’s International Tourism Events Fund (ITEF) projected to generate almost £2 million for Northern Ireland’s economy by attracting approximately 20,000 visitors. The event not only provides a significant opportunity to raise the profile of women’s and youth football, but also to promote Northern Ireland as a dynamic visitor destination.
www.nitravelnews.com
June 2026
Hastings Hotel MD Awarded MBE for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Industry
From Ulster University, James McGinn
Game of Thrones Studio Tour Supports Three Banbridge Sports Clubs
THE Banbridge Tourist Attraction, Game of Thrones Studio Tour announces sponsorship of three local sports clubs in a move to support the community where the Linen Mill Studios is based. Game of Thrones Studio Tour agreements include
a three year sponsorship of
Banbridge Hockey Club along with two year sponsorships of Banbridge Tennis Club and Banbridge Football Club. The partnerships will provide financial
support allowing the clubs to maintain facilities, expand coaching opportunities and continue delivering programmes that encourage participation in sport at all levels. Amy Houston, Marketing Manager, Game of Thrones Studio Tour, said: “Being based in Banbridge means we
are part of the local community, and supporting grassroots sport is an important way for us to contribute positively to the town and the people who live here. “Sport plays a powerful role in building confidence, teamwork and resilience, particularly among young people. Those values closely align with the work we are doing through our education and community engagement programmes at the Studio Tour. “We are delighted to partner with
Banbridge Hockey Club, Banbridge Tennis Club and Banbridge Football Club and look forward to supporting the fantastic work they do in bringing people together through sport.” The support from Game of Thrones
Studio Tour highlights the attractions aim to encourage creativity participation and aspiration among young people across Northern Ireland.
Summer Style Arrives at Titanic Belfast with Local Designers
TITANIC Belfast has launched a new sum- mer exhibition, bringing together local designers to showcase how fashion and textile design can be bold, expressive and deeply connected to Northern Ireland. Titanic Belfast Curates… Northern Threads is a free,
ticketed exhibition running from 1st May to 30th September. At its heart are four designers, Gráinne Maher, Hope Macaulay, Kindred of Ireland by Amy Anderson and Éadach by Sara O’Neill. Each brings a distinctive approach, spanning sculptural knitwear, contemporary
linen, narrative
handcrafted accessories. Also featured within the exhibition
and Grainne Taylor. textiles
JAMES McGinn, Managing Director of Hastings Hotels, has been formally presented with his Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Princess Anne at Windsor Castle. Awarded in recognition of his outstanding contribution to tourism and hospitality, the MBE acknowledge’s James’ exceptional career spanning more than 30 years in the hospitality industry as well as his significant contribution to Northern Ireland’s tourism sector. A graduate of Queen’s University Belfast, James began his career in London before returning to Northern Ireland, later gaining a Master’s in Hotel and International Tourism Management from Ulster University.
Restored Co Antrim Railway Building Achieves Tourism NI Certification
A historic railway building in visitor experience following
Antrim has been recognised for quality and
Co its
and space will be
Una Rodden, along with her Tribe collective who will be designers-in-residence, as well as the innovative Threadlab research piece from Ulster University lecturers Dean Liggett
restoration after being derelict for 40 years. The Railway Sleeper, located at Cullybackey Railway
Station in Co Antrim has received official certification from Tourism Northern Ireland, highlighting a major step in its restoration. Owners Robert and Anne Christie purchased the Grade 1
listed building in December 2019 and began an extensive refurbishment, whilst preserving it’s original features. The project has previously earned recognition in 2023
when it received the Great Western Railway Craft Skills Award from the National Railway Heritage Awards. Following its opening,
welcomed guests from across the
The Railway Sleeper globe
has including
Australia, the US, Canada, Italy, France, Spain, the UK, Ireland as well as locals. Claire McNaughton, Accommodation Certification
Manager at Tourism NI, said: “Well done to Anne on completing a fantastic refurbishment of the property. Her attention to detail and commitment to quality are clear throughout. “Certification is a mandatory requirement, and it is really encouraging to hear that the experience, and the
visit from Quality and Standards, added real value to the process. I wish Anne continued success.” Anne Christie, owner of The Railway Sleeper, said:
“We wanted to bring the building back to life and honour its history. Designing the interiors and sourcing vintageinspired fixtures was a joy. “We found Tourism NI’s certification process incredibly straightforward, with a friendly and reassuring
visit
from our certification officer who ensured we met the requirements and offered helpful advice throughout. “Overall, the experience was enjoyable, supportive,
and nothing to worry about.” The Railway Sleeper is an example of how meeting statutory standards
supports business strengthens Northern Ireland’s visitor experience. growth and
went on to gain international experience in Washington DC before joining Hastings Hotels in 1996, marking the beginning of a remarkable career. Speaking following the investiture, James McGinn said, “It was a privilege to receive my MBE from Princess Anne at Windsor Castle, made even more special by sharing the day with my family. I am immensely proud to have built my career in an industry that plays a vital role in Northern Ireland and to have spent the majority of that time in leadership roles within Hastings Hotels. I would like to sincerely thank the Hastings family for their continued belief in me and my colleagues across the group for their support and dedication.” Howard Hastings,
Chairman of Hastings
Hotels said: “On behalf of my fellow Directors and everyone across the group, I would
like to congratulate James on
receiving his MBE. We are all very proud of his achievements and this well-deserved honour reflects his unwavering commitment to Hastings Hotels over three decades. In this time, he has made an exceptional contribution not only to our business but to the wider tourism and hospitality industry in Northern Ireland, helping to elevate our reputation on a global stage.”
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