British Tour Operators Explore Northern Ireland as Guests of Tourism Ireland and Tourism NI

REPRO FREE 16/10/2025, Fivemiletown, County Tyrone– Nine (9) GB tour operators have been exploring Northern Ireland this week, as guests of Tourism Ireland and Tourism NI. They are taking part in a fact-finding visit, to experience for themselves the high standard and variety of our tourism offering – from world-famous landmarks to immersive cultural experiences – and to inspire new additions to their travel programmes. PIC SHOWS: GB tour operators at Blessingbourne Country Estate, with owners Nick Lowry (back left) and Colleen Lowry (front row, second right); and Breige Coward, Tourism Ireland (front row, right). Pic – Tourism Ireland (no repro fee) Further press info – Anne Marie Orr, Tourism Ireland tel: 07766 527719

A total of nine British tour operators have been exploring Northern Ireland this week, as guests of Tourism Ireland and Tourism NI

They are taking part in a fact-finding visit, to experience for themselves the high standard and variety of the island of Ireland’s tourism offering – from world-famous landmarks to immersive cultural experiences – and to inspire new additions to their travel programmes.

The group’s action-packed itinerary includes the Giant’s Causeway, a traditional baking experience with Bakehouse NI, a visit to GORTA – Swatragh’s Famine Story, ‘The Emigrant’s Walk’ on Carntogher Mountain with local expert and guide Cathy O’Neill and the Ulster American Folk Park. Blessingbourne Country Estate and a tour around Belfast also feature on their busy programme.  

Judith Cassidy, Tourism Ireland’s Acting Head of GB, said: “Tourism Ireland is delighted to welcome this group of valuable GB tour operators to explore Northern Ireland’s superb history and heritage. Our aim is to inspire them to extend the Northern Ireland content of their existing programmes and itineraries, or to include Northern Ireland for the first time in their programmes – helping to secure a greater share of their business for Northern Ireland in 2026 and beyond.”