Tourism NI Hosts Series Of 'Innovate Tourism' Workshops

Tourism NI has held a series of 'Innovate Tourism' workshops across NI, finishing up at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge this week.

The interactive workshops aim to demonstrate how innovation is key to business growth, while also increasing awareness and knowledge about what innovation means in a tourism context.

In addition, the workshops advised businesses how to embed innovation in day-to-day operations, creating value and enhancing the visitor experience.

Businesses were also provided with advice and guidance, including what funding support is available to help generate new ideas to grow. Tourism NI is hosting the workshops in partnership with Innovate NI.

Eimear Callaghan, Head of Experience & Industry Development at Tourism NI, said the workshops have been a "great success".

"It was wonderful to bring our industry together today to discuss and explore innovation and how it can benefit their businesses," she said.

"Innovation is one of the key pillars of our draft Tourism Strategy and is key to staying competitive and relevant in the ever-evolving tourism landscape.

"The businesses who took part learned about how innovation can drive growth, improve efficiency and can help them exceed customer expectations.

"They also had one-to-one access to experts, who were able to offer advice and guidance on how they can equip themselves with the tools they need to boost innovation in their businesses."

Paul O'Callaghan, Manager of the Innovate NI programme at Invest NI, said:"Tourism has an important role to play in shaping Northern Ireland's innovation landscape and ensuring the sector continues to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

"Tourism businesses attending these workshops will learn how to use our innovation framework to embed innovation within their business, ensuring they stay relevant, competitive and enjoy continued success."

Appeal For Information After Vehicles Set Alight In Dundonald

The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following a report that two vehicles were set alight in Dundonald on Sunday 11th February.

Making the appeal, Inspector Knox said: "We received a report that two vehicles were on fire at around 11.30pm in the Millreagh Avenue area of Dundonald.

"Officers attended, alongside colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who extinguished the fire. The vehicles were damaged and at this stage we are treating this as an arson attack.

"We are appealing to anyone with information regarding this incident or who may have been in the area at the time, to contact police by calling 101, quoting reference 1939 of 11/02/24."

You can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/.

Woman Arrested In Connection With L'Derry Robbery

L'Derry PSNI investigating a robbery at a shop in the Shantallow area on Sunday, 11 February, have arrested a 32-Year-old woman.

At around 3.10pm yesterday, police received a report that a woman was in a shop in Earhart Park and had threatened the female staff members asking for money and said she had a gun. She tried to get into the shop till but was unsuccessful. She then grabbed a number of vapes and attempted to make off. However, members of the public intervened and tried to restrain her, but it's reported she assaulted them.

Police responded and located a 32-year-old woman, matching the description of the suspect. She was arrested on suspicion of offences including robbery, criminal damage and common assault. She remains in custody at this time. Officers also recovered the items that were reported stolen which were fit for resale.

Detective Sergeant Chambers from Strand Road Criminal Investigation Division said: "This was a very brazen act carried out in the middle of the afternoon. The two young staff members faced their ordeal in such a brave manner and they are to be commended for the way they dealt with what was undoubtedly a scary situation for them.

"The members of the public who intervened are also to be commended for their bravery.

"I want to take this opportunity to appeal for witnesses to what happened and to anyone with footage of the incident to get in touch with us."

The number to call with information is 101, quoting reference 1092 of 11/02/24, or make a report online via www.psni.police.uk/report. Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.