International tour operators discover Belleek Pottery and more …

Top international tour operators have been visiting Belleek Pottery 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 ‘Into the West’ themed tour of Northern Ireland.

During their visit to the Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre, the tour operators had some ‘hands on’ experience of the traditional techniques used to create the famous pottery. The group visited the Beaghmore Stone Circles, OM Dark Sky Park & Observatory and Hill of The O'Neill. They also explored the Marble Arch Caves and Florence Court. 

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 are here for the first time. As we continue to rebuild overseas tourism to Northern Ireland, this event is 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.”

International tour operators visiting Belleek Pottery with David Wood, Tourism Ireland (back, third right); Patricia Cauley, Belleek Pottery (front, centre) and Liz Steele, Tourism NI (back, second right)