900 people trained to be nice to tourists

The Minister said the DEL-supported training was one of a series of contributions by his Department to the implementation of the city’s One Plan.

He also referred to 322 extra places for Magee, which have been allocated for the 2014/15 academic year.

Dr Farry stated: “My Department has responded positively to the opportunities provided for working with Derry City Council and others by the One Plan for the regeneration of the city.

“This has included participation in the city’s Skills Directorate, support for the delivery of skills provision across the city by North West Regional College, the University of Ulster and others and the provision of services to help people find employment.”

The Minister said his Department has worked closely with Derry City Council in the provision of WorldHost training which has a key role to play in raising the standard of customer service provided to visitors to the city through the hospitality sector.

“This is crucial at this time with the City of Culture and other major events such as the All Ireland Fleadh coming to Derry in 2013. With the Department’s support,

over 900 people have been trained in WorldHost in Derry and I believe this lays a firm platform to support tourism in the city which is of major significance in the One Plan.

“It is a good example of cooperation across a range of bodies in the city to deliver training which will bring real benefits,” he stated.

And the Minister pointed to the allocation of extra university places as further progress.

“In addition, as part of the agreement on tuition fees the Executive has made funding available to my Department for additional places in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths subjects.

“The University of Ulster has been allocated a total of 322 additional places by 2014/15. The University has stated that all of these places will be deployed at the Magee campus.

“This therefore makes a significant contribution to the development of the university which is seen as an important driver in the success of the One Plan,” he stated.