NI Golf Tourism Promoted In North America

Tourism NI and representatives from key local industries have participated in a golf convention in North America as part of a drive to grow the value of golf tourism in Northern Ireland to £50 million by next year.

The North American Golf Tourism Convention is now in its 11th year and took place in Texas from 23–26 June.

Over 140 tour operators from 35 countries attended the conference and Tourism NI engaged with golf tour operators through almost 300 appointments, promoting the legacy of golf and encouraging the operators to include Northern Ireland in their golf itineraries.

Industry representatives who travelled to Texas included Ardglass Golf Club, Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort, Newry Mourne and Down District Council, NI Golf Tours Ltd, The Cotter Collection, The Merchant Hotel and Travel Ireland Golf.

Speaking about the convention, Leanne Rice, Tourism NI Golf Marketing Manager said: "North America continues to develop on a global scale as a potential location for golf tourism to grow and so these conventions are vital for Tourism NI and local industry to attend. In 2018, North American golf visitors generated almost 50% of our golf tourism income and this is a key market we will continue to promote.

"In July, Northern Ireland will be hosting The Open, golf's most prestigious and internationally recognised championship after 68 years which will be beamed live to over 600 million households worldwide. Hosting such a high profile championship will put Northern Ireland on the map as a leading golf destination and drive the growth of golf visitors from North America," she added. 

With the upcoming International Golf Travel Market in October, Tourism NI will continue to promote Northern Ireland as a golf destination to other markets.