22/11/2002

NITB launch major 'friends and relatives' campaign

Underscoring that almost one in two visitors to Northern Ireland come to visit friends and relatives, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has announced details of its latest marketing initiative to attract more people to the province.

NITB has joined forces with leading ferry company Stena Line to offer half price ferry travel to people living in Scotland or the north of England travelling to visit friends or family in Northern Ireland.

Commenting on the campaign, NITB Chief Executive Alan Clarke said: “As almost half of all visitors to Northern Ireland are here to visit friends and relatives, we are keen to encourage these visits and cater to what is a potentially huge market.

“We are promoting this offer heavily across the water and are also encouraging residents of Northern Ireland to invite their loved ones over for a visit. I’m sure this will boost our visitor numbers significantly during the last quarter of this year."

Encouraging visitors to make the trip across the Irish Sea, Stena Line is to offer a Stranraer-Belfast return trip on the Stena HSS for a car and four passengers from £149 if booked before the end of the year - valid on any day, any sailing and for any length of stay (until March 24, 2003).

This offer is being supported with a significant marketing drive across Scotland and the north of England which involves direct mail and a major outdoor advertising campaign.

(MB)

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