International Tour Operators Enjoy Antrim Excursion

Top international tour operators from across the world have been enjoying an excursion of Mid and East Antrim as part of Tourism NI's Meet the Buyer workshops.

Tour providers from all over Europe as well as America explored the area's hidden gems and enjoyed food, views and immersive theatre experiences in a bid to highlight the region's attraction as a holiday destination.

The group travelled along the Causeway Coastal Route, visiting the breath-taking Gobbins coastal path, Crosskeys Inn and The Bank House for some food and finally Whitehead Railway Museum where they enjoyed a ride on a steam train, with a theatrical twist.

Performers from the Big Telly Theatre Company brought visitors back to Victorian times in epic style with a special preview performance of a series of plays they have coming up this summer. They told tales of smugglers, train robberies that actually happened in Whitehead, love letters and what it felt like to travel by train for the first time during the era.

Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: "Tourism Ireland was delighted to bring 147 top international tourism buyers to Northern Ireland for Meet the Buyer 2019 – including 39 buyers who are here for the first time – which provides such an important opportunity for our local tourism partners. The high attendance 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 this year. We are taking every opportunity to leverage the exciting events happening over the coming months – including The 148th Open at Royal Portrush. And, next week, we will unveil our new campaign around the eighth and final season of Game of Thrones. Our message to the visiting tourism buyers is that there has never been a better time to visit Northern Ireland."

Portia Woods from Toast the Coast Food Tours led the operators around the borough: "As a trusted partner, Tourism NI asked me to organise the day from our first visit point at the Gobbins. I was delighted to showcase some of the hidden gems across Mid and East Antrim with amazing local people and delicious local food. Toast The Coast Food Tours and Experiences showcase the borough to local, corporate and international visitors all year round."



(JG/CM)