NI Overseas Engagement Programme 2026

This programme supports the attendance of established Northern Ireland (NI) activity and experience tourism businesses at Tourism Ireland led leisure events, where the industry partner is recruited by Tourism NI thus helping to ensure broader industry representation in overseas markets. The initiative is designed primarily to support small privately owned tourism businesses.

Programme Aims

• To enable NI industry to fully engage with Tourism Ireland’s overseas marketing programme across a range of overseas platforms and events including fairs, workshops, shows and sales missions
• To facilitate opportunities for NI tourism activity and experience providers to engage with Tourism Ireland led platforms overseas on a transparent and equitable basis

Objectives of the Programme

• To support the development of Northern Ireland tourism businesses by enabling greater access to key overseas markets
• To facilitate suitably qualified Northern Ireland industry to undertake pro-active sales-focused activity overseas
• To make it easier for overseas trade partners and consumers to access and buy Northern Ireland product as broadly and widely as possible

Key Information 

• Suitably qualified businesses may apply now
• Approved activities may take place from Monday 16th February 2026 and should be fully completed by Monday 30th November 2026
  Up to 50% of total approved costs will be reimbursed by Tourism Ireland i.e., industry will be required to pay 50% of eligible costs
• Minimum amount of funding per application is £300.00
• Maximum amount of funding by TI per application is £3,000.00
• Up to three fully completed applications may be considered per business per calendar year
• Applications must be submitted and approved in advance of the show/event taking place

Eligibility Criteria

• This opportunity is open to primarily small NI activity and experience tourism businesses. Priority consideration will be given to participants in the Embrace a Giant Spirit Experience portfolio who also meet the additional criteria as detailed
• Applicants should also be focused on international markets with appropriate development/marketing plans in place
• Applicant businesses must offer bookable/saleable experiences that are available online to book directly. Applicant businesses must be equipped to contract with tour operators and able to offer net/commissionable trade rates, with sufficient capacity to facilitate groups or FIT visitors
• This opportunity is not open to hotels or hotel groups, accommodation providers, or resorts
• The programme is not open to representative/cluster groups, destination management organisations, local authorities, and/or other publicly funded agencies/authorities/enterprises and business
• This programme is for the leisure market only and is not open for Business Events or MICE focused activities

If you are unsure whether your business qualifies or not,, please email eventsupport@tourismireland.com prior to applying. 

Next Steps

Please read the full details and guidelines on the NIOEP prior to submitting your application. ​Access the guidelines and application form here.​

The Business Solutions team offer support to access a range of overseas opportunities, for further details on current and forthcoming opportunities go to ​tourismni.com/international-trade-opportunities