NI Travel News were sorry to hear of the passing of Don Wilmont, one of NI Tourism’s great ambassadors.
Family, friends and colleagues took to social media to send their condolences to Mr Wilmont’s family, who passed away on 31 December 2021 following a short illness.
Long standing colleagues at the Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance shared the news on their website, where Mr Wilmont was a founding member.
“It is with deep sadness to hear that Don Wilmont passed away peacefully this morning after a short illness.” NITA announced on their website.
“Don was one of the founding members of NITA and was so passionate about Tourism. He was a great ambassador for Northern Ireland Tourism and gave many years of service as Chief Executive of Causeway Coast & Glens Regional Tourism and more recently as chair of Visit Derry.
Don was a great support as Vice Chair of NITA, in particular establishing and overseeing the governance of the new organisation and his dedication during the Covid response. Don was one of life’s true gentlemen who was always generous with his time and brought a pragmatic approach and his warm humour to the many challenges that we had to face.
We are truly grateful for all of his contribution and he is a big loss for NITA and Tourism in Northern Ireland.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jeanette and Arlene at this sad time.”
Brenda Morgan MBE also spoke of the passing of her “dear friend”:
“I am so sad to hear of the passing of our dear friend and colleague Don and my thoughts and prayers are with Jeanette, Arlene and his family at this time.
Don’s guidance and support over the last three years as Vice Chair of NITA was invaluable. A true gentleman, so professional and committed with a dedication and passion for tourism to the end! He will be sorely missed and his personal contribution will always be remembered within the NITA family!”
Diane Poole OBE also passed condolences onto the family:
“I had the privilege of working with Don for almost 16 years and the significant success of the organisation was down to Don’s drive both professionally and passionately.”
“Don worked tirelessly in promoting tourism on the world stage and he was the perfect fit as Chief Executive of Causeway Coast and Glens Regional Tourism Partnership – the area we always referred to as the most beautiful place on earth!”
“Don was involved in a number of Tourism projects over the years and these were a testament to his commitment, enthusiasm and his knowledge of all things tourism was insurmountable.”
“Don was a straight talker with a witty sense of humour and he really cared for his work family helping them to develop and grow under his fair and caring leadership.”
“Most importantly Don loved his family, and was a dear friend to so many and he will be very sadly missed.”
“Thoughts and prayers to Jeanette, Arlene, Colin and the wider family circle.”
