International tour operators discover Hillsborough Castle and Finnebrogue Estate and more
Top international tour operators have been discovering Hillsborough Castle and Gardens and some of our other top visitor attractions such as Finnebrogue Estate 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. Before the workshop, they took part in an ‘Iconic NI’ themed tour.
The tour operators enjoyed a guided tour of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens and Finnebrogue Estate and visited Hinch Distillery, Titanic Belfast, and SS Nomadic. They also travelled along the Causeway Coastal Route to visit Glenarm Castle, the Giant’s Causeway and Glenshane Country Farm.
The tour operators enjoyed a visit to Finnebrogue Estate where they met owner, Ed Lindsay who took them on a walking tour of the grounds and facilities. The group also experienced the Belfast Food Tour, a Narnia-themed nature event in Rostrevor and tried some forest bathing at Fairy Glen. They also enjoyed a St Patrick’s Pilgrim Walk in Downpatrick and explored Castlewellan Forest Park and Peace Maze on an e-bike tour. Finally, the group visited Down Cathedral where they met gifted young harpist, Maria Boyle.
Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said: “Tourism Ireland was delighted to bring 140 top international tourism buyers to Northern Ireland for Meet the Buyer 2022. As we restart overseas tourism to Northern Ireland, this event is a really important opportunity for our local tourism partners.
“The participation of these buyers from around the world is a strong indication that interest in visiting Northern Ireland remains high and that it can, and is, competing with the best destinations in the world.
“Tourism Ireland has an extensive programme of promotions under way for 2022. We are taking every opportunity to leverage the many good news stories about Northern Ireland tourism this year – including the opening of the new Game of Thrones Studio Tour, the recent designation of Belfast as a UNESCO City of Music, the 10th anniversary of Titanic Belfast and the fact that The Open will return to Royal Portrush in 2025.
“We are also highlighting Northern Ireland’s screen tourism success, including the final series of ‘Derry Girls’ and the new ‘Belfast’ film directed by Sir Kenneth Branagh.
“Our message is that Northern Ireland is open for business again and we cannot wait to welcome back visitors from around the world,” added Niall Gibbons.
