Shock at death of Tourism Hero

Shock at death of Tourism Hero

A book of condolence has been opened at the Guildhall in Londonderry following the sudden death of one of the best-known faces in the city’s tourism trade.

Fifty-two-year-old Martin McCrossan, who founded the award-winning walking tour company, Derry City Tours, died suddenly following what is believed to have been a stroke.

Known locally as ‘Mr. Derry’, Martin was an outspoken advocate for his city and worked tirelessly to attract visitors to the north-west. A staunch supporter of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and the government’s strategy for tourism, Martin was presented with the Board’s Tourism Hero Award in 2013.

Martin established his touring business in Derry just over a decade ago and over the years, countless visitors enjoyed the sights and sounds of the historic Maiden City on one of his unique walking tours – among them, a number of famous faces including Will Ferrell, Michael O’Leary and Susan Boyle.

In his last interview with Licensed & Catering News, Martin agreed that beyond a doubt, Derry had been “completely transformed” in recent years.  He cited many of the elements of that change, including the Peace Bridge, the new marina and the £10m revitalisation of the city’s unique Guildhall.

He also believed that Londonderry was uniquely suited to the nature of the business he was in. Derry, he said, was “a walking city” and the business he ran wouldn’t have worked as effectively in another area.

“You can walk around the walls here in an hour,” he told LCN. “You’ll see St. Columb’s Cathedral, the Apprentice Boys’ Memorial Hall, the Bogside, the Guildhall, the Fountain and lots more. That’s the reason this business has flourished the way that it has.”

Martin also had expansionist aims for his business. He wanted to grow to cover more of Northern Ireland and he had plans to establish his business on a more formal footing in locations outside Derry:

“When I go away anywhere, I try to sell the destination,” he said. “I think that if we all do that, then all of us will grow. “I will be doing that across all of Ireland and I am going to be encouraging everyone I can to follow best practice and work harder, give good customer service and grow their repeat business.”

Paying tribute to Martin following his death, the Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, who also comes from the city, referred to him as “the driving force being the tour industry in Derry”.

“Through his innovative, informative tours which made a lasting impression on all who took part in them, Martin promoted Derry throughout the world,” said Mr. McGuinness. “A familiar face to anyone who frequented the city centre, Martin always had a smile and a positive word for those he met.

“His loss will be felt greatest by his wife, Sharon, his immediate family and work colleagues in the tourism industry. I extend my sincerest condolences and those of my party to them at this very sad time.”

Martin is survived by his wife, Sharon and two daughters Christina and Charlene.

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A walking tour group with Martin in the centre of Londonderry with the Peace Bridge in the background.