HBO Joins Tourism Ireland

HBO has joined forces with Tourism Ireland to launch a new campaign seeking to promote Northern Ireland through its fantasy drama Game Of Thrones.

The new campaign begins today through adverts on Facebook and Twitter and will run until early June in Great Britain, United States, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Scandinavia.

Enterprise and Tourism Minister Arlene Foster announced the move. "Today’s announcement follows months of negotiation with HBO, America’s most successful television company whose services reach more than 50 countries outside the U.S," she said.

"The partnership is a major coup for tourism and offers a unique opportunity to promote Northern Ireland, the home of the Game of Thrones series, in a brand new way to the many fans around the world.

"As the fan base has grown substantially over the first three seasons, everyone now wants a piece of the action. The hype is incredible and on the same level as many Hollywood blockbusters, this month’s 'Vanity Fair' has even devoted its front cover to a photograph of the cast with the stunning Antrim Coast Road as their picturesque backdrop."

Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: "We are delighted to announce our partnership with HBO to highlight Northern Ireland in a completely new way on the global stage. TV and film are recognised as strong influencers on prospective visitors, so this campaign is a major opportunity to shine a spotlight on Northern Ireland. Game of Thrones fans worldwide will see these ads, spiking their curiosity about the landscapes and locations featured in the series and inspire them to come and explore them for themselves."

(IT/MH)