Tourism NI hosts Innovate Tourism and Regional Business Clinic in Derry

Tourism NI has hosted the latest in a new series of regional roadshows in Derry aimed at supporting the industry strengthen their business offering to visitors in 2026.

The roadshow, which took place at the Ebrington Hotel, was attended by tourism providers keen to refresh their visitor experience, increase visitor value or yield, and strengthen sustainability and resilience.

From new ventures to well-established operations, the roadshow was open to businesses at all stages with those gathered given the opportunity to take part in an Innovate Tourism 2026 `Insight to Impact’ workshop.

Jacqueline McCann from Roll Innovation speaking at Tourism NI’s Regional Roadshow in Derry this week.

Led by Jacqueline McCann, Founder of Roll Innovation, the workshop – which focused on Building Visitor Value for 2026 – was aimed at helping the businesses create more value from the visitors they already have, supporting stronger yield and long-term sustainability.

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Those gathered explored how their experience, pricing, operations and delivery model can be strengthened to improve performance and resilience.

Businesses were also encouraged to draw inspiration from the recently launched Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands brand, using it as a tool for ideation and future planning.

Alongside the workshop, attendees also had the opportunity to take part in a Business Clinic where they could participate in one-to-one appointments with Tourism NI teams including Marketing, Experience Development, Regions, Accommodation: Quality & Standards and Events.

Attendees also had the chance to learn more about listing their business on DiscoverNorthernIreland.com and set up a MyTourismNI e-learning account. 

The clinic provided tourism providers with direct access to expert guidance to help them shape and strengthen their future plans. 

Carolyn Boyd, Industry Development Manager at Tourism NI, said: “We are delighted for the opportunity to support innovation in tourism. 

“Our industry is continually proving to be the most creative and inspirational sector. The high level of engagement at our clinic gave Tourism NI the opportunity to meet with industry at the very start of 2026 and help them seize all the opportunities open to them.”