Coronavirus: Newtownabbey venue pledges support for key workers

The grassroot movement, promoted by Ian Rutter and Andrew Watson, owners of Casa Higueras, joined by Nick Leese and Richard Keyser, who have a self-catering property Casa Rosario, has reached out from Andalucia, Spain to a growing number of Bed and Breakfast and self-catering accommodation providers across the world who are all pledging to offer free short-breaks to NHS hospital workers once the coronavirus outbreak subsides. .

The Coastguard Boat House on Belfast Lough has pledged two free VIP weekend stays for a couple or for a family as a way of saying thank you for their work at this difficult time.

The Boat House, which is located in Whiteabbey, and dates back to 1800s, is located a metre from the sea, and offers visitors a special stay.

The Boat House has a variety of heritage features, with village pubs and shops nearby, and for people who want to see Belfast’s key attractions, is less than ten minutes by car, bus or train.

Boat House owner, Carol Magill explains: “This is an opportunity for small B and B s and self catering providers, many of which, own very unique properties to say thank you to those people who are working tirelessly across the NHS (including care homes).

“Small providers don’t have big budget for grand gestures and many are struggling at this time, but I know each of us will still want to express our gratitude by offering great stays for free, or when that isn’t possible at a reduced price. NHS staff can nominate themselves for a stay, or can be nominated by some one via the website www.mytravelpledge.com where they will be matched up with providers.

“It is also a chance to remind the wider population, that when this is over, small tourism operators many of which, like myself, own and maintain unique heritage buildings, which are part and parcel of what makes NI a great place, need visitors to holiday with them. Our towns and villages need tourists, and if you cannot travel far away, book at local stay and holiday at home.

“On a personal level it has also been great to link up with other small tourism accommodation providers from across the world (at present holiday accommodation from Spain, France, USA and America have offered their premises for free) and know that we are all facing a difficult time but are working together to do what we can to get the tourism sector back on track – post virus.”

People interested in staying at the Coastguard Boat House can contact the owner on 07768775550; book directly via www.belfastboathouse.com or via holiday lettings or Tripadvisor.

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