Unlocking the Outdoors. Workshop and Networking event

On Friday 25th March from 10am - 2pm we discussed how to build back better, focusing on key areas which are critical to the continuing development of the outdoor and activity sector. The event was held at Crumlin Road Gaol, 53-55 Crumlin Road, Belfast, BT14 6ST.

We were joined by local and international speakers including: 

• Rob Holmes, Founder and Chief Strategist at GLP Films, an award-winning content marketing agency dedicated to sustainability, storytelling and creative campaigns for the travel and sustainability industry. 
• Yvonne Gordon, Award-winning Travel Writer based in Dublin. Yvonne writes for publications in Ireland, the UK and the USA, including The Irish Independent, The Washington Post and BBC Travel.
• Rob Rankin, Founder and Owner, Vagabond Tours, Ireland’s leading small group tour operator and one of the most respected brands in Irish tourism.

We know our Outdoors and Landscapes are a main motivator for visitors to come to the Island of Ireland. This has been ever more evident through Covid, where trends for both domestic and international visitors are highlighting nature, outdoor, wellness and off the beaten track experiences as priorities for travel. 

It is Tourism Northern Ireland’s ambition to unlock the potential associated with the elemental assets of Northern Ireland’s land, water, and sea by supporting the delivery of unique, imaginative, and authentic Embrace a Giant Spirit experiences.  

This now requires the development of high-level framework to inform how we can work together with partners and stakeholders to inspire, lead and direct tourism providers as well as public, private and community stakeholders work towards a shared vision and proposition. Focused on our landscapes and activities industry, this event will introduce you to how we are planning to build back better, and allow you to have your say for the future of outdoor tourism in Northern Ireland.