Hospitality college merger under the spotlight

A local assembly member has voiced his support for amalgamation of catering and tourism courses at the University of Ulster’s campus in Portrush.

East Londonderry UUP assembly member David McClarty said the bid to integrate the Northern Ireland Hotel and Catering College and the University of Ulster’s tourism and catering department in a relocation from Jordanstown to Portrush was “vitally important”.

Mr McClarty said: “Here we have a unique opportunity to establish training and research in a sector which is vitally important to the Ulster economy and which would ultimately enable us to become world class in a marketplace which is mushrooming and will play a huge part in the future prosperity of the province.

“The Causeway Coast area has more hotels, guesthouses and bed and breakfast establishments than anywhere else in Northern Ireland.”

However many in the tourism and hospitality business believe a centre of excellence should be based in Belfast where most highly rated bars and restaurants are located.

According to the Assembly Committee for Employment and Learning who met on Thursday to discuss the proposed merger, it was of key importance to ensure a large enough site was decided upon to cater for Northern Ireland’s growing sector.

Among evidence considered by the committee yesterday were submissions on the proposed merger in Portrush, 80% of which were opposed to the Causeway coast site.

However the merger has been promoted by University Vice Chancellor Professor Gerry McKenna who said the opportunity to establish such a centre at Portrush should not be lost.

Mr McClarty said: “I’m delighted the Vice Chancellor has again spelled out his absolute determination to proceed with the merger of the Catering College into the University, transferring the University’s tourism and catering department from Jordanstown to the Portrush College.

I am at a loss to think why some members of the hospitality industry are pressing for the college to be established in Belfast.

“The Vice Chancellor’s announcement of new professional chairs in the areas of tourism and hospitality management if integration is approved is another positive development.”

(AMcE)