Mid and East Antrim celebrates newly qualified tour guides as local tourism prepares for growth

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Mayor Councillor Jackson Minford with Northern Regional College and Council representatives plus newly qualified tour guides.

Mid and East Antrim’s tourism industry has taken a step forward with the qualification of 19 new tour guides, following the successful completion of two accredited courses delivered in partnership with Northern Regional College (NRC).

The OCN Level 2 Award in Tour Guiding courses ran during autumn and winter 2024, equipping participants with the practical skills and knowledge required to lead engaging and informative guided tours across the borough.

Each course included modules on tour planning, commentary delivery, and health and safety, assessed through a learner portfolio.

To mark their achievement, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, hosted a celebratory event in Carrickfergus, honouring the graduates and recognising their contribution to the borough’s growing visitor economy.

“From the banks of the River Bann to the iconic Causeway Coastal Route and the Glens of Antrim, our Borough boasts an incredible mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage,” said Councillor Minford.

“Tourism is one of our key strategic priorities, and we’re proud to invest in the people who can bring our Borough’s stories to life.”

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Mayor Councillor Jackson Minford with Northern Regional College and Council representatives plus newly qualified tour guides.

The new tour guides are expected to play a crucial role in enriching the visitor experience throughout the region, particularly as Mid and East Antrim prepares for major transformation under the Belfast Region City Deal.

In Carrickfergus, £42 million has been allocated to a landmark heritage-led regeneration project, which will include significant enhancements to Carrickfergus Castle, the creation of a new visitor centre, and improvements to the town’s historic public spaces.

This investment is projected to increase annual visitor numbers to Carrickfergus Castle from 68,000 to 210,000, while generating approximately 155 new tourism-related jobs.

“Our guides are uniquely positioned to offer authentic and memorable experiences to our visitors and these new tour guides are an invaluable addition to our tourism landscape,” Councillor Minford continued.

“I’m confident they will play a vital role in helping us achieve our vision for growth. With Tourism NI setting ambitious goals for the industry, this training aligns perfectly with the region’s broader economic development plans.”

The initial tour guide course attracted such high interest that a second course was added, demonstrating strong community enthusiasm for local history and storytelling.

Karen McLeod, Travel and Tourism Lecturer at NRC, praised the cohort’s progress:

“Watching these learners grow in confidence and develop their passion for tour guiding has been incredibly rewarding. They are ready to deliver outstanding visitor experiences and I look forward to seeing their unique voices bring our heritage to life.”

The Borough Council has a proven track record in cultivating local talent, having already delivered five other community-based tour guiding courses in Carnlough, Whitehead, Ballymena, and Carrickfergus in recent years.

Councillor Minford added:

“As the City Deal unfolds, there will be exciting new ways to contribute to and shape the future of local tourism. I look forward to seeing how you use your skills to develop engaging tours that enrich our communities and captivate our visitors.”