World Tourism Day – 27th September 2026: Five Women Tell Their Stories

Portrush hotel shines a light on the people and career paths behind NI tourism

From a PhD chemist who became a hotel owner to a biomedical science graduate who discovered an unexpected career in hospitality, five women working at Elephant Rock Boutique Hotel in Portrush are sharing their stories ahead of World Tourism Day on 27 September.

The 18-bedroom boutique hotel is using the occasion to shine a light on the people behind Northern Ireland’s tourism industry and the very different routes that can lead to a career in hospitality.

Managing Director Charlotte Dixon’s own journey was far from conventional. After earning a PhD in Chemistry, she expected to follow an academic career before one viewing of the Victorian property that would become Elephant Rock changed everything.

She went on to transform the building with her mother before opening Elephant Rock in 2022. Since then, the hotel has received a string of industry accolades, including Boutique Hotel of the Year, Romantic Hotel of the Year and 4 Star Hotel of the Year at the Irish Hotel Awards.

Charlotte said: “Tourism and hospitality offer so many different opportunities. There isn’t one route into the industry and our own team really demonstrates that.

“The team are the heart of Elephant Rock and everyone brings different experience, skills and personality to the hotel.”

General Manager Joanne Boyle brings 37 years of hospitality experience to Elephant Rock and has been named General Manager of the Year (Ulster) at the Irish Hotel Awards.

For Joanne, some of the most important work in hospitality is the work guests never see.

Joanne said: “The part people rarely see is the quiet coaching – the one-to-one conversations where you help someone grow into their role or support them through a difficult moment.

“Those interactions don’t show up in reviews, but they shape everything about the guest experience.”

Head Housekeeper Nikki Termonia’s story demonstrates the opportunity hospitality can offer people looking for a new career.

After six years working as a care worker supporting vulnerable adults, Nikki joined Elephant Rock in her first permanent hospitality role. She began as a housekeeper before progressing to supervisor and then Head Housekeeper.

Nikki said: “I’ve never worked in a place where everyone wants to help each other. If we’re short-staffed, anyone will step in and help.

“Joanne and Charlotte have made beds and scrubbed toilets – they just get stuck in. That says a lot about the culture here.”

Chef Agnes Gestwicka, originally from northern Poland, has lived in Northern Ireland for more than 20 years and has built her career within the North Coast hospitality industry.

She joined Elephant Rock in 2023 as a breakfast and pastry chef after working in hospitality locally for a number of years.

Agnes said: “In bigger places it can be more impersonal. Here, we look after each other.

“It feels like a little family and that’s one of the things I really love about working here.”

At 24, trainee manager Megan McVeigh represents another route into the industry.

Megan joined Elephant Rock in 2022 while completing a biomedical science degree and initially expected it to be a temporary, part-time job.

Instead, she discovered a career she had never previously considered, progressing to supervisor and then trainee manager.

Megan said: “I felt like I had to get a degree and get a fancy job. I loved my degree, but I love hospitality too.

“It’s nice to see women leading from the front. Charlotte and Joanne are always willing to jump in and help. No job is too small.”

Charlotte believes stories such as Megan’s are important as Northern Ireland’s tourism industry continues to attract the next generation of talent.

Charlotte added: “Hospitality is about far more than what guests see when they arrive. There are careers in management, food, housekeeping, operations, marketing, events and many other areas.

“What I love about our team is that everyone arrived here by a different route, but they all play a part in creating the experience our guests remember.

“World Tourism Day is an opportunity to celebrate the places that bring people to Northern Ireland, but we should also celebrate the people who make visitors want to come back.”

Elephant Rock employs a team of 32 people and features 18 individually styled bedrooms alongside its restaurant and bar, Eldon’s.