International tour operators '˜at home' at Seamus Heaney HomePlace

As well as visiting the Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy, the group also enjoyed tours of Hillsborough Castle, Parliament Buildings at Stormont, the Crumlin Road Gaol and Mount Stewart House and Gardens. They also spent time learning about CS Lewis, with a stop at the CS Lewis Square in East Belfast, during a city tour.

Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “Tourism Ireland was delighted to bring 150 top international tourism buyers to Northern Ireland for Meet the Buyer 2017 – including 16 tour operators who were here for the first time. The high attendance 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 across the world, to highlight Northern Ireland and continue to grow tourism in 2017. We are promoting the Causeway Coastal Route, as well as other iconic experiences like Titanic Belfast and, of course, our world-class golf. With our spectacular scenery, world-class visitor attractions and good value accommodation, Northern Ireland truly is a ‘must see’ destination. Our message is that there has never been a better time to come and visit Northern Ireland.”