A LEADING West Belfast tourism expert has co-published a book focusing on the changing and fast-moving world of the ever-growing sector.
Harry Connolly is Director of Fáilte Feirste Thiar, which is leading the transformation of West Belfast into an internationally recognised sustainable tourism destination.
'Tourism on the Edge: Leadership on the Line' features over 100 industry leaders who present their ideas and perspectives on the future of tourism, sharing their experience, advice and insights into the tourism industry, highlighting where the sector is heading, and the importance of humanity at every stage.
The book has been co-ordinated by Harry Connolly, Professor Terry Stevens, an award- winning international tourism consultant who has worked with creators in 55 countries, and João Vasco Neves, an international public sector advisor with over 13 years of experience partnering with local and national governments around the globe.
Speaking at a celebration event during the book's launch in the Lord Mayor's parlour in Belfast City Hall, Harry Connolly said: "Covid flipped the entire tourism industry on its head and continues to change at a rapid pace.
Terry Stevens, Lord Mayor Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly and Harry Connolly
"In West Belfast, we have a resilient and powerful story to tell, from conflict to peace and tourism has played an overall role.
"After talking to Terry, we decided to tell the story of tourism on the edge and leadership on the line and how it needed to continue to evolve.
"The end result is a book full of people from all sorts of tourism industries from across the world. We didn't envisage it become as impactful as it has but I am very proud of it.
"I want people to take away the fact that tourism is key to social and economic regeneration and it is not just the traditional private sector model anymore. We are trying to encourage a responsible and sustainable approach to tourism development and we certainly feel that tourism can be a huge success as a result."
Terry added: "Harry came up with the initial idea and then expanded it. He wanted to write about leadership but it had to be on the edge, from people and environments that were already taking risks in tourism.
"We ended up with 110 different voices from 30 different countries. It in a unique publication, a world-first and it was born in West Belfast.
"I hope when people see the book it will be relevant for all of us going about our lives."
'Tourism on the Edge: Leadership on the Line' is available to buy online from Graffeg Books here.
