International tour operators visit Dark Hedges

Invited here by Tourism Ireland to participate in the annual Meet the Buyer workshop, which took place in the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle, the tour operators enjoyed a post-workshop tour which was themed around Game of Thrones locations and the Causeway Coastal Route.

The group began their trip in County Down where they visited Castle Ward, Strangford Lough, Inch Abbey and Tollymore Forest Park. The following day they made their way along the Causeway Coastal Route taking in Cushendun, Ballycastle, Larrybane, Ballintoy, the Giant’s Causeway and the Dark Hedges.

The visit of the international tour operators was organised by Tourism Ireland in conjunction with Tourism Northern Ireland.

Welcoming the strong international attendance at this year’s Meet the Buyer workshop in Newcastle, Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “Tourism Ireland was delighted to bring 100 top international tourism buyers to Northern Ireland for Meet the Buyer 2015 – including 29 buyers who were here for the first time – which provided such an important opportunity for our local tourism partners. 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 grow tourism in 2015 and beyond. We are placing a major focus on the 2015 Irish Open, which will be played in Newcastle next month – taking every opportunity to leverage the tourism benefits of this prestigious sporting event for Northern Ireland. We are also highlighting new visitor experiences for 2015, including the refurbished Mount Stewart House and Gardens and the Gobbins Cliff Path. 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.”