Targeting American tourists for Causeway Coast and Glens

Attendees - who included hoteliers, bed and breakfast operators and visitor attractions - heard presentations by a US and a Canadian tour operator, as well as by Jim Brody of TripAdvisor who discussed online consumer travel behaviour today.

The seminar also included up-to-date research on the US and Canada markets from Tourism Ireland, information about promotional opportunities for 2010, as well as practical advice and tips about how to promote effectively and ultimately to grow business from these all-important markets.

Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland’s Vice President Marketing, United States, said: “North America is a very important market for tourism to Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland and Tourism Ireland is working closely with our industry partners to deliver a +2% growth in visitors this year. We have an exceptionally strong promotional programme in place in the US and Canada for 2010.

“We are undertaking strong campaigns providing compelling reasons to visit and placing significant emphasis on value for money, to drive home to American consumers our message about the superb range of offers available here.

“This event in Belfast provides our tourism industry partners with a greater understanding of the North American market and helps them as they plan for the rest of 2010 and evaluate the various opportunities and platforms for growing business from this market.”