International tour operators discover Mussenden Temple and more …

Top international tour operators have been visiting Mussenden Temple and some of our other top visitor attractions, as part of a fact-finding trip to Northern Ireland. The tour operators were invited here by Tourism Ireland, in conjunction with Tourism NI – to participate in the annual Meet the Buyer workshop in ICC Belfast. After attending the workshop, they enjoyed an ‘Iconic Northern Ireland’ themed tour.

During their visit to the Causeway Coast, the tour operators enjoyed a food and wellness experience in Mussenden Temple designed by Claire O’Kane. The group visited the Giant’s Causeway, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, the Game of Thrones Studio Tour and the Galgorm Spa Experience. They also explored the Titanic Quarter including Titanic Distillers and SS Nomadic.

Siobhan McManamy, Tourism Ireland’s Director of Markets, said: “Tourism Ireland was delighted to bring 135 top international tourism buyers to Northern Ireland for Meet the Buyer 2023 – including 25 buyers who were here for the first time. As we continue to rebuild overseas tourism to Northern Ireland, this event was a really important opportunity for our local tourism industry partners. The participation 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 for 2023. We are taking every opportunity to shine a spotlight on Northern Ireland – including through our new global campaign ‘Fill your heart with Ireland’, which stars actresses Saoirse-Monica Jackson and Jamie-Lee O'Donnell, from Derry Girls, which is being rolled out in our key tourism markets. The campaign is highlighting our rich and authentic experiences, breath-taking landscapes and, in particular, our warm welcome – encouraging people to put Northern Ireland on their holiday ‘wish-list’ for 2023.”