Top international tour operators have been visiting the Giant’s Causeway as part of a fact-finding trip to Northern Ireland. The tour operators were invited here by Tourism Ireland, in conjunction with Tourism NI – to participate in the annual Meet the Buyer workshop in ICC Belfast. Ahead of the workshop, they enjoyed a ‘Giants of Northern Ireland’ themed tour.
The group also visited Game of Thrones Studio Tour, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Titanic Belfast, the Ulster Folk Museum and Crumlin Road Gaol. They spent time in Derry~Londonderry taking in a walking tour of the city walls, The Derry Girls Experience at the Tower Museum, a tour of the Guildhall and a visit to the new Peacemakers Museum.
Alice Mansergh, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said: “Tourism Ireland was delighted to bring approximately 150 top international tourism buyers to Northern Ireland for Meet the Buyer 2024 – including 25 companies who joined us for the first time. This is an important event in the industry calendar and a great opportunity for our local tourism partners to connect with international tour operators who bring valuable tourists to Northern Ireland and the island.
“Tourism Ireland has an extensive programme of promotions well under way for 2024. Our ‘Fill your heart with Ireland’ campaign, featuring Derry Girls, is live across media this spring, with a goal of driving consideration of Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland as a destination to visit. Belfast 2024 programme of culture and the Irish Open taking place at Royal County Down are key moments to promote this year. We know visitors are inspired to visit the island based on our scenery, heritage and warm people and these strengths abound in Northern Ireland, from the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Geopark to the Causeway Coast, Fermanagh Lakelands and more.
“We’re taking every opportunity to shine a spotlight on Northern Ireland, showcasing iconic reasons to travel here and expanding people’s bucket lists from best-known spots to hidden gems.”
