A plaque will be unveiled later this week to the memory of Derry businessman Martin McCrossan in honour of his work promoting his home city.
Founder of Derry City Tours Mr McCrossan, who was dubbed Mr Derry, died unexpectedly in 2015 at the age of 52. He was a well-known figure in the city and ambassador for his home town.
Mr McCrossan was frequently included in business delegations from the city as they met government ministers to campaign on Derry’s behalf. In 2013, the Derry man was awarded the Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s “tourism hero” award.
Derry mayor John Boyle said the plaque would be unveiled on a plinth outside the city's Foyleside Shopping Centre, a location often used as a starting point by Mr McCrossan’s tour company.
“This memorial is a permanent tribute to a great ambassador for our city, Martin McCrossan and the tireless work he did in promoting our area to tourists from all over the world,” Mr Boyle said.
He said it was appropriate that the plaque should be located in an area of Derry which was synonymous with Mr McCrossan.
“Martin’s work with his award-winning company, Derry City Tours, meant he was one of the most recognisable faces in the city which rightly earned him the title ‘Mr Derry’,” Mr Boyle said.
The plaque will include a picture of Mr McCrossan with the words “Martin McCrossan Tourism Hero 1962-2015.”
It will also include the inscription: “A true champion and ambassador for the city. The driving force behind the tourism industry who left a lasting positive impression on everyone who met him.”
