Council Tourism Event Highlights Marketing Opportunities for Businesses

Representatives from the tourism industry have gathered in Cloonavin to learn more about how businesses in Causeway Coast and Glens can avail of upcoming marketing and media opportunities.

The industry event, organised by Council’s Destination Team, welcomed colleagues from both Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland to collectively present on domestic and international marketing opportunities. Attendees were given an overview on planned overseas events and an all-island sustainability programme, which will be launched later this year.

Throughout this coming year, Council will work in close partnership with Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland on a range of collaborative projects, with the aim of promoting both Causeway Coast and Glens and Northern Ireland as a whole. Campaigns, trade shows and consumer events will help promote the Causeway Coast and Glens as a ‘go-to’ year-round destination, showcasing the fantastic range of accommodation, activities, events, and bespoke experiences on offer.

Local businesses who attended the event received practical tips on how they can work alongside the tourism bodies to make the most of their platforms and opportunities, no matter what stage their business is at.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan, acknowledged the key role those working in the local tourism and hospitality sectors have within the Borough saying: “Thank you to everyone who attended this event, it helps highlight the key role that marketing opportunities and available support plays in helping our local tourism businesses to thrive.

“Council’s Destination Marketing Team continues to work collaboratively with Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland to promote Causeway Coast and Glens and surroundings areas. The support they give our businesses operating in the Tourism sector, helps us all offer the world class welcome to visitors that we are renowned for here in the Borough.

“Our tourism product is constantly evolving, and Council’s Destination Team is here to help all our businesses showcase Causeway Coast and Glens to its best advantage, so that we continue to compete on the global stage as an all year-round destination.”

Industry Liaison Executive at Tourism Ireland, Natasha Johnston, welcomed the opportunity to be involved. Speaking afterwards, she said: “It’s fantastic to be able to present on all the different ways that our industry partners in Causeway Coast and Glens and across the island of Ireland can work with us overseas through our events, partnership programmes, advertising and marketing opportunities, as well as publicity and media opportunities in both the business-to-business and business-to-consumer space.”

Nikki Paterson, Business Solutions Manager at Tourism NI spoke to industry on opportunities available to local businesses interested in working with international travel trade "Tourism NI work with Tourism Ireland and a range of strategic partners to deliver a programme of activity throughout the year across key markets. This work offers a wide range of opportunities for businesses to engage directly with international tour operators, providing platforms to develop and build relationships to increase growth from international markets”.

Esther Dobbin,  Region and Investment Manager at Tourism NI, delivered an update on the new all-island sustainability programme which will be launched later this year – it is a collaboration between Tourism NI, Tourism Ireland and Failte Ireland. She explained how green credentials can support future business success.