Northern Ireland's tourism experiences showcased to key US travel buyers

Four travel buyers from the United States – all specialists in organising international meetings and incentive travel programmes – have been visiting Northern Ireland, as guests of Tourism Ireland and Tourism NI.

The visit was designed to give the influential buyers a taste of what Northern Ireland has to offer as a destination for meetings and incentive travel, inspiring them to recommend Northern Ireland to their clients and ultimately to grow Business Events from the US. Business Events – i.e., the corporate meetings, events and incentive travel industry – is recognised as a key driver of economic growth. 

The itinerary included a tour of the Causeway Coastal Route with guide Mark Rodgers, taking in the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Dunluce Lodge. In Belfast, the group enjoyed an immersive culinary experience at Waterman House and visits to McConnell’s Distillery, Titanic Belfast and St George’s Market. A tour of Gilford Castle Estate also featured on their itinerary. 

David Boyce, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Business Events and Luxury, said:“It was a pleasure to welcome these influential business travel buyers from the United States to Northern Ireland this week, to experience our tourism offering first-hand. Business travel is high value and often midweek and off-season by its nature, thereby aligning with Tourism Ireland’s strategy to grow overseas tourism revenue outside of the peak summer season. This visit was a valuable opportunity to highlight Northern Ireland as a premier destination for Business Events.”