Tour operators from eight international markets were shown key tourism sites along the Causeway Coastal Route and northern section of the Wild Atlantic Way this week during a series of Shared Island familiarisation trips.
Fifty buyers travelled to the island of Ireland to take part in an inaugural Shared Island tourism workshop, which was part of an all-island tourism brand collaboration and marketing initiative developed by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland.
Having commenced in 2023, the project is being funded through the Government of Ireland’s Shared Island Fund.
The project aims to enhance the visitor’s journey along the two iconic routes by developing and establishing international stand-out tourism products which will improve the performance and impact of tourism on the island of Ireland.
During the workshop in Derry~Londonderry this week, the operators took part in one-to-one meetings with 110 tourism businesses from along the Causeway Coastal Route and Wild Atlantic Way to secure future business which will ultimately result in more valuable tourists visiting this iconic part of the island of Ireland.
The workshop was the first initiative of its kind under the Shared Island framework, which aims to sustainably grow overseas visitor numbers by highlighting the connectivity of the two iconic routes, encouraging visitors to stay longer, thereby increasing the economic benefits of tourism.
The operators who attended the workshop also took part in five specially tailored familiarisation trips along the two signature routes to experience the tourism offering first-hand.
The trips – two in Northern Ireland, two in the Republic of Ireland and one cross-border itinerary – included stops at key tourism sites giving the operators the opportunity to meet with local tourism providers and experience their products.
In Northern Ireland, stops included The Gobbins Visitor Centre, Glenarm Castle, Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, Bushmills Distillery, the Walled City Brewery, the Derry Girls Experience and the Peacemakers Museum.
The itineraries also made stops at Roe Valley Resort, Harbourview Hotel, Marcus Hotel, Galgorm Collection and The Salthouse showcasing the high-quality and diverse range of accommodation available.
Laura McCorry, Chief Executive of Tourism Northern Ireland, said: “We are delighted to showcase these two stunning routes and the unique experiences they offer to these international tour operators as part of the Shared Island Framework.
“Familiarisation visits are an important way for the global travel trade to experience Northern Ireland first-hand. By connecting them with our world-class attractions, outstanding hospitality, spectacular landscapes and vibrant culture, these visits build confidence in our destination and strengthen its promotion in key overseas markets.
“They also provide valuable opportunities to develop relationships with local tourism businesses, with the insights and connections gained helping to raise awareness, build advocacy and drive economic benefits for communities across the region.”
