Growing the British visitor market

THE Ramada Hotel in Portrush recently played host to a 'Know Britain Grow Britain' seminar.

The seminar was organised by Tourism Ireland for tourism enterprises interested in growing business from Britain. Attendees, who included hoteliers, bed and breakfast operators, car hire companies and visitor attractions, heard a series of presentations by Tourism Ireland.

These presentations included up-to-date research on GB, information about promotional platforms and opportunities for 2010, as well as practical advice and tips about how to promote effectively and ultimately to grow business from this all-important market.

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Commenting on the importance of the GB market, Lawrence Bate, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Great Britain, said: “Great Britain is the largest and most important market for tourism to Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland and 2010 is the year when Tourism Ireland, with support from the tourism industry, will return the GB market to growth.

“We believe that we can deliver a +2% growth in visitor numbers from GB next year. To turn the market around, we will implement activities that are big, impactful and innovative and above all, deliver business. We have an exceptionally strong promotional programme in place for GB for 2010 with compelling messages that highlight the great things to do and see here and the excellent sterling offers from Northern Ireland industry partners.

“The event today provides our tourism industry partners with a greater understanding of the GB market and helps them as they plan for 2010 and evaluate the various opportunities and platforms for growing business from this market. In 2010 Tourism Ireland will work more closely with our tourism industry partners than ever before, to help ‘close the sale’ with potential holidaymakers,” he added.