Inbound Tourism Gets Major Boost

As ash continues to cloud the tourist trade across Europe, there's good news for the local 'product'

The Stormont Tourism Minister, Arlene Foster has welcomed tourism bosses from around the world to a 'Meet the Buyer' workshop in Belfast, today.

Pictured with the Minister are Tony van der Vegte, Van der Vegte Travel Consultancy and Rosa Vivar, Transhotel who are among the international representatives in attendance.

Organised jointly by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and the all-island organisation, Tourism Ireland, the event provides the opportunity for international tourism buyers to get together with a wide range of local companies, from large chains to small family run businesses, to promote Northern Ireland as a tourism destination.

It is anticipated that over 200 delegates will attend, including overseas tours operators from countries such as Britain, Ireland, Denmark, Switzerland, France, Germany, and the USA.

Welcoming delegates to the workshop, Arlene Foster said: "With each passing year this event becomes bigger and better, providing opportunities for international buyers to meet key representatives from the Northern Ireland tourism industry. A forum such as this is where business relationships are made, developed and enhanced.

"The past 12 months have been challenging for the economy, however Northern Ireland is still well positioned.

"With the strong euro, we are a more attractive destination for leisure and business travellers. We also offer value for money, quality products and unique visitor experiences," she said.

The international buyers will participate in a schedule of face-to-face sales pitches with local tourism providers, offering the opportunity to include Northern Ireland packages in international tour programmes, or to expand the Northern Ireland content of existing programmes for the 2011 season.

"We are competing with the best destinations in the world. However Northern Ireland’s unique offering caters for everything from luxury golfing, to business and conference packages, family holidays and city breaks.

"Our culture and heritage also sets us apart from any other destination in the world and we look forward to welcoming more visitors to Northern Ireland," the Minister continued.

As well as attending the event, buyers will get the opportunity to participate in familiarisation trips which will highlight the excellent tourism products that Northern Ireland has to offer.

The trips will include visits to the Fermanagh Lakelands, the Mournes, and the Causeway Coastal Route among other itineraries.

(BMcC/GK)