Council unveils tourism blueprint

Local businesses, tourist groups and Councillors came together at the Galgorm Resort and Spa to hear of the impressive actions planned by Ballymena Borough Council.

Speaking at the event, Town Clerk and Chief Executive of Ballymena Borough Council, Anne Donaghy said: “Ballymena already has a superb reputation for shopping and we’re standing in a venue which boasts an envious international reputation, but some of the many other terrific attractions in the Borough are hidden gems. Ballymena town gets hundreds of thousands of visitors as it’s a superb base and gateway for the whole of the Glens of Antrim. This Tourism Strategy is designed to both provide those existing visitors with reasons to stay longer and to encourage new visitors to the area be they living here or visitors to these shores, showing them the vast array of activities and adventures on offer.”

The Council is making significant investments over the next three years to: increase footfall to the surrounding villages; further develop the Braid and its profile; expand the events at the Ballymena Show Grounds; develop Slemish as a “flagship” visitor attraction; prepare a Development Strategy to review the function of ECOS Centre; support private sector developers and promote activity tourism packages.

Donaghy added: “To deliver this strategy we have reviewed the structure of the Tourism Department within Council and strengthened the Tourism Forum, working closely with local accommodation and retail providers. Only by working together will we improve the local economy, secure and increase jobs.”

Sentiments echoed by local business man, Christopher Brook of Galgorm Castle, “Ballymena Council has brought the public and private sector together to achieve their common goal of an improved local economy. Without that joint working, Ballymena, like many other towns in Northern Ireland would continue to punch beneath its weight. There is a considerable investment planned for Galgorm Castle in the coming months, adding to the existing beautiful golf course which this year hosts a PGA EuroPro Open and I’m confident the overall Tourism Strategy, with everyone behind it, will succeed.”

Speaking at the event, Alan Clarke of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board said, “Ballymena truly is a gateway to the Glens and we’re delighted to support the Council in driving this strategy forward to develop and increase the number of visitors and attract visitors who stay overnight and enjoy many of the attractions on offer.”

Ballymena Mayor, Cllr James Currie added: “This summer we’ve already enjoyed the terrific Ballymena Agricultural Show which marked the start of big summer events in Ballymena including the upcoming Association of Old Vehicle Clubs of Ireland Classic Show in June; the Mid Antrim 150 Motorbike Race and the Ulster Traction Engine Show in July; and we’ll proudly host the Milk Cup Finals on the 30th July in the Ballymena Show Grounds. Ballymena will reap the rewards of further expanding our cultural tourism and major events and continue to show Ballymena is a great place to be.”