Tourism Partnership Board
Minister Murphy opened the first meeting of the Tourism Partnership Board (TPB) on 11 September 2024. The TPB was established by the Minister to advise and make recommendations to the Department for the Economy (DfE) in support of the development and delivery of a Tourism Action Plan.
Background
The tourism sector is an important contributor to the delivery of the Economy Minister’s economic vision.
We need to build on the momentum currently being experienced in this sector.
The Tourism Action Plan, will provide a clear direction for the tourism sector, supported by our delivery partners, Tourism Ireland and Tourism NI.
It will create a framework for maximising Tourism’s contribution to good jobs, a regionally balanced economy, higher productivity, and carbon reduction.
Draft Tourism Strategy
This report summarises the findings of the public consultation process.
Members
Members of the Tourism Partnership Board include representatives from both the tourism industry and the hospitality sector, alongside Executive Departments and local government.
Stephen McNally (Chair)
Stephen McNally has over 40 years’ experience in the hotel industry. He studied at the Rockwell Hotel and Catering School in Co Tipperary. He is currently on the Board of Tourism Ireland.
He also has extensive international experience, having worked with Ramada Hotels in both the UK and Germany; and he completed the Ramada Hotel Management Development Programme, before joining Jurys Hotel Group PLC in 1989. During 17 years at Jurys (which subsequently became Jurys Doyle plc.), he managed the company’s hotels in both Ireland and the UK and ultimately headed up operations for the entire group, including its properties in the USA.
In August 2007, he became director and Deputy Chief Executive of Dalata Hotel Group. Best known for the Clayton and Maldron brands, the company has extensive hotel operations in both Ireland and the UK.
He was appointed President of the Irish Hotels Federation in 2014. He is also a non-executive director of the St Patrick’s Festival.
In 2022, Stephen retired from Dalata Hotel Group and subsequently set up his new company, SERLS Hospitality Ltd.
Full list of TPB members
| Name | Role | Organisation |
|---|---|---|
| Stephen McNally (Chair) | CEO | SERLS Hospitality Ltd |
| Michelle Scott | Director – Entrepreneurship & Partnership Division | DfE |
| Iain Greenway | Director of Culture | DfC |
| Teresa O’Neill | Director of Rural Affairs | DAERA |
| Lynsey Moore | Director of International Relations | TEO |
| Sian Kerr | Director of Transport Policy | DfI |
| Joanne Stuart | Chief Executive | Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance |
| Janice Gault | Chief Executive | Northern Ireland Hotel Federation |
| Roisin McKee | Director | Hospitality & Tourism Skills Network |
| Colin Neill | CEO | Hospitality Ulster |
| Katy Best | Commercial & Marketing Director | Belfast City Airport |
| Deborah Harris | Public Relations & Marketing Manager | Belfast International Airport |
| Brenda Morgan | Head of Business Development | City of Derry Airport |
| Joe O'Neill | CEO | Belfast Harbour |
| Karen Magill | Chief Executive | Bus and Coach NI |
| Judith Owens | CEO | Titanic Belfast |
| Heather McLachlan | Regional Director | National Trust |
| Nuala Saul | Managing Director | Brack Tours |
| Laura McCorry | Head of Hillsborough Castle | Hillsborough Castle |
| Maeve McLaughlin | Director | Museum of Free Derry |
| Mark Wylie | Owner | DC Tours |
| John McGrillen | CEO | Tourism NI |
| Alice Mansergh | CEO | Tourism Ireland |
| Marie Ward | Chair | SOLACE |
| Gerry Lennon | Chief Executive | Visit Belfast |
| Odhran Dunne | Chief Executive | Visit Derry |
Terms of reference
The core purpose of the Tourism Partnership Board is to advise and make recommendations to the Minister for the Economy in support of the development and delivery of a Tourism Action Plan. Its terms of reference are available: