November/December 2025


www.nitravelnews.com THE LOCAL TOURIST


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COOL FM Presenter, Pete Snodden, and local comedian Paddy Raff have been announced as new ambassadors for the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust (NICLT). They join high-profile supporters including rugby


legend Tommy Bowe, country music star Nathan Carter, and former Northern Ireland Women’s Football Team captain Marissa Callaghan. Now in its 17th year, Northern Ireland Children to


Lapland and Days to Remember Trust is preparing for its annual trip to Lapland in December – with over 1,700 children across Northern Ireland has enjoyed the trip, with only two breaks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This one-day trip to Rovaniemi, Finland – the official


hometown of Santa Claus – offers children living with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and their families a chance to escape the challenges of daily life


NI Personalities Become Newest Ambassadors for Northern Ireland Children to Lapland


and create lasting memories. Colin Barkley, Chairman of Northern Ireland


Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust, welcomed the announcement, saying: “We are absolutely delighted to have Pete and


Paddy join us. As respected figures in their fields, they bring energy, influence and warmth to our cause. Having public personalities advocate on behalf of a charity significantly broadens its reach and can have a profound impact on fundraising and awareness. Their support will help shine a light on the


incredible work we do—and the children and families who need it most.” Pete Snodden commented: “It’s an absolute


honour to become an ambassador for the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust. As a dad myself, I know how precious magical moments are for families — and this charity creates them in the most incredible way. To be part of a team that brings smiles to the faces of children facing so many challenges is something I’m genuinely proud of.”


Paddy Raff added: “When I heard about the work


Three’s the Charm for Popular NI Hotel Collection at AA Hospitality Awards


GALGORM Collection has secured a series of accolades at the 2025 AA Hospitality Awards. The Old Inn, in Crawfordsburn, was


awarded the AA Hotel of the Year, while Galgorm received AA 5-star status. Gillies restaurant at Galgorm earned an AA Rosette, joining Fratelli Galgorm, The Rabbit, and The Old Inn form the same collection. The AA Hospitality Awards, held this


year at JW Marriott Grosvenor House, London, brought together 1,000 industry leaders. The awards span 18 categories judged by AA inspectors and recognise excellence across hotels, restaurants, and individuals shaping the UK hospitality sector.


Galgorm’s latest award wins comes


following extensive investment across its portfolio of properties. Over the past 18 months, more than £5 million has been invested at Galgorm, including a £2 million redevelopment of its spa and wellness facilities. Colin Johnston, CEO of Galgorm Collection, said: “These awards reflect the hard work


and professionalism of everyone across Galgorm Collection. Our ongoing investment in product


quality, to provide more than guest


experience, employee wellbeing, and sustainability continues to deliver tangible results. “Our mission is


a stay – offering guests exceptional hospitality while minimising environmental impact. These recognitions motivate us to continue raising standards. “I would like to take this opportunity to


sincerely thank the entire team across all our properties and restaurants for their hard work and commitment to our guests and the business. The awards reflect their dedication and I am immensely proud of everyone.” Galgorm Collection is currently undergoing a £40 million expansion strategy through 2027. Since 2010, over £60 million has been invested in its flagship Galgorm property. Recent acquisitions include Galgorm


Castle Estate and Roe Valley Resort for a combined £28 million, with a further £22 million committed to enhancing these estates over the next five years.


Lough Erne Elevates Golf Experience with Expert Technology Introduced


GOLFERS at Lough Erne Resort can now access the same advanced ball-tracking technology featured in professional televised golf tournaments with the recent installation of Toptracer at the Resort’s Golf Academy. This inclusion gives players real-time insights into their swing and ball flight, in a bid to help practice sessions and coaching. Installed across eight bays on the driving


range, the Toptracer system utilises CMOS image sensors to capture and analyse every shot’s trajectory, distance, swing speed, and ball curve. By delivering detailed, immediate data, it enables golfers of all skill levels to understand key aspects of their technique and make informed adjustments to improve their game.


Local Bakery Teams Up with Popular Hotel Group in Milestone Contract


A Ballymena-based bakery has won its first food service contract with McKeever Hotels. Already supplying to over 80 retail across Northern


outlets Ireland,


the partnership is a significant development for Dougie’s Goodies, marking its entry into the food service/hospitality market. Dougie’s Goodies will be supplying


its range of traybakes, pastries and iced buns to McKeever’s six hotels in Northern Ireland. Stella Grant, Group Procurement Manager for McKeever Hotels explains how a venture that started on a pilot basis in the Adair Arms Hotel in Ballymena has grown to become a Group-wide initiative: “It’s well known that Northern


Ireland consumers love their sweet treats and it’s clear that the team at Dougie’s Goodies totally understands this


market and is


catering to meet demand.” “While our hotels are renowned for


successfully


that this charity does, I was deeply moved to think that children and families, going through so so much, might have the chance to make some of the most precious memories a family can wish for. As a father myself, I can’t imagine how much of a difference this kind of charity can make so I was honoured and humbled to be asked to help do whatever I can to help support their amazing efforts.” Gerry Kelly, broadcaster and President of Northern


Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust, also expressed his appreciation: “We are deeply grateful to everyone who continues


to support our work across Northern Ireland. As the charity receives no Government or Lottery funding, we rely entirely on the generosity of individuals and companies. We’re especially grateful to our corporate partners including The Bushmills Inn, C-Tec (NI), WineFlair, energystore, Mango contact centre, Glens of Antrim Potatoes, CosyRoof, and Bells Crossgar Motors. Their commitment enables us to plan even more ambitious activities in 2025, such as our special trips to Disneyland Paris and Lapland.”


conferences, weddings, and award ceremonies, they’re also popular as relaxed coffee-shop settings for catchups with friends and family or informal business meetings. Such occasions are only complete with a delicious locally made tray-bake. The range provided by Dougie’s Goodies not only complements this experience but reflects our ‘best of local’ approach. We’re proud to partner with such a progressive local business and look forward to rolling this initiative out across our six hotels in Northern Ireland.” Johnny Hunter, Commercial


Director of Dougie’s Goodies added: “We’re really excited to launch


our first venture into the food service world with McKeever Hotels. Working with Stella and her team has been a joy as like us, they truly get what their customers love. Together we’ve come up with a range that’s all about great coffee, delicious goodies and that warm, welcoming vibe that makes people want to come back for more.”


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