Top international tour operators have been visiting the city of Armagh and some 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 ‘Tales of our Cities’ themed tour of Northern Ireland.
During their visit to Armagh, the tour operators took part in a walking tour of the city and visited Long Meadow Cider to see the orchards and learn about the cider making process.
The group visited also Derry-Londonderry to see the Ebrington Barracks site, Walled City Brewery and take a walking tour of the historic Walls. They also explored the ‘Best of Belfast’ on a walking tour and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.
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.”
She added: “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.”
