WORKSHOP ATTRACTS WORLD’S TOURISM BUYERS

Friday 4th May

International tourism buyers will travel from around the world to attend today’s Meet the Buyer workshop at the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa, Newcastle, organised by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in association with Tourism Ireland. Almost three thousand business meetings will take place as the buyers participate in a marathon of face-to-face sales pitches with local tourism providers, who have fifteen minutes to convince the buyers of their business’s potential.

The international buyers offer the opportunity to include Northern Ireland packages in international tour programmes or to expand the Northern Ireland content of existing programmes for the 2008 season.

Welcoming delegates to the Workshop, NITB Chief Executive Alan Clarke said;

“This is the most important event in the tourism calendar for local tourism businesses targeting the international visitor.With travel buyersarriving from fifteen countries, the Workshop gives local tourism providers the invaluable opportunity to showcase their products on a global stage and to speak personally with some of the travel world’s most influential decision makers.”

“We are optimistic that 2007 will be another good year for tourism in Northern Ireland. The Lonely Planet’s endorsement has given us a great boost and visitor numbers and revenue continue to rise. The Workshop will allow us to build upon such achievements, giving operators an opportunity to include Northern Ireland in their programmes for the first time, or to build on the good business that is already being done.Buyers will also get the opportunity to take familiarisation trips which will highlight some of the excellent tourism products available in Northern Ireland. Trips will include the Causeway Coastal Route, a visit to the Mournes and a trip to discover Northern Ireland’s hidden heritage”.

Paul O’Toole, Tourism Ireland Chief Executive said:

“Once again this year Tourism Ireland is delighted to bring almost one hundred top tour operators from key overseas markets into Northern Ireland for this workshop which provides such an important opportunity for local industry suppliers.

“Our spring short breaks campaign is promoting Northern Ireland in a full range of marketing activities throughout Great Britain, including press, radio, direct marketing and online promotions with a particular emphasis on the Scottish market

Tourism Ireland’s current marketing activity includes a car touring initiative developed with local car ferry operators, which will encourage more visitors to bring their cars, stay longer and get out and about in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland continues to be promoted actively in destination marketing campaigns in North America, where special attention is being paid specifically to Ulster Scots ethnic groups. In mainland Europe, Tourism Irelandis exploiting the marketing opportunities presented by improved air access to showcase Northern Ireland extensively.

“During the next couple of days, we very much welcome the opportunity to showcase the best Northern Ireland has to offer to our international tour operators and partners here in Newcastle,” he concluded.

ENDS

For further information contact Tony Millar, NITB Press Office, tel, (028) 9044 1644, Email: t.millar@nitb.com