International tour operators discover Strangford Lough and more
Top international tour operators have been visiting Strangford Lough and some of our other top visitor attractions, 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.
After attending the workshop, they enjoyed a ‘Coastal Adventures’ themed tour of Northern Ireland.
During their visit to County Down the tour operators enjoyed a canoeing trip on Strangford Lough led by Mobile Team Adventure, followed by a traditional baking lesson in Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen.
The group took a ‘Lagan Legends’ tour in the Titanic Quarter and a ‘Dancing at the Crossroads’ experience in Downpatrick.
They also explored the Causeway Coastal Route including the Giant’s Causeway, Chocolate Manor in Castlerock and took part in the Ballycastle Trad Trail.
Siobhan McManamy, Tourism Ireland’s Director of Markets, said: “Tourism Ireland was delighted to bring 135 top international tourism buyers to Northern Ireland for Meet the Buyer 2023 – including 25 buyers who were here for the first time.
“As we continue to rebuild overseas tourism to Northern Ireland, this event was a really important opportunity for our local tourism industry 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 2023. We are taking every opportunity to shine a spotlight on Northern Ireland – including through our new global campaign ‘Fill your heart with Ireland’, which stars actresses Saoirse-Monica Jackson and Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, from Derry Girls, which is being rolled out in our key tourism markets.
“The campaign is highlighting our rich and authentic experiences, breath-taking landscapes and, in particular, our warm welcome – encouraging people to put Northern Ireland on their holiday ‘wish-list’ for 2023.”
