New tour guides set to elevate Mid and East Antrim’s visitor experience
Wednesday 25 June 2025
Mid and East Antrim’s tourism sector has received a significant boost with the qualification of 19 new tour guides following the successful completion of accredited training - delivered in partnership with Northern Regional College.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, recently hosted a celebratory event in Carrickfergus recognising the achievements of the local participants who undertook two OCN Level 2 Award in Tour Guiding courses during autumn and winter 2024.
Designed to support local tourism development, the courses equipped learners with the practical skills and knowledge needed to lead guided tours and engage visitors with compelling storytelling and historical insight.
The training included assessment through a learner portfolio, with modules covering the responsibilities of a tour guide, tour commentary creation and health and safety considerations.
Mayor Councillor Jackson Minford praised the newly qualified guides for their dedication and enthusiasm: “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.
“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.
“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 - 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 overwhelming interest in the initial programme prompted the addition of a second course, reflecting the strong community passion for local history and storytelling. These newly qualified guides will support local tourism, especially as Mid and East Antrim prepares for a major transformation through the Belfast Region City Deal.
In Carrickfergus, £42 million has been secured for a heritage-led regeneration project aimed at revitalising the town as a premier tourist gateway. Planned upgrades to Carrickfergus Castle and its historic surroundings, a new visitor centre, and improved public spaces are projected to increase annual visitor numbers to the castle from 68,000 to 210,000 and generate around 155 new jobs in the sector.
Mayor Councillor Jackson Minford encouraged the new guides to seize the opportunities ahead: “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.”
Karen McLeod, Travel and Tourism Lecturer at NRC, commended the group:
“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.”
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council continues its commitment to building a skilled tourism workforce. This most recent programme adds to five previous community-based tour guiding courses delivered in partnership with NRC across towns including Carnlough, Whitehead, Ballymena, and Carrickfergus.