Optimism as International Tour Operators Return

Tourism NI is hosting its first face to face Meet the Buyer trade event after two years of delivering the event virtually. Pictured at ICC Belfast (Left-Right) are Sushant Pilanker, Al Rostamani Travel, Katie Daly, Katy Daly's Travel, Naomi Waite, Tourism NI’s Marketing Director and Shane Clarke, Tourism Ireland's Director of Corporate Services, Policy & Northern Ireland.

The annual flagship b2b networking event is welcoming tour operators from sixteen global markets at ICC Belfast today making it the largest international tourism networking platform held in Northern Ireland.

Close to 300 Northern Ireland industry and oversea operators are gathering for a series of sales meetings and special events which marks the return of international tourism activity.

Delivered in partnership with Tourism Ireland, the Meet the Buyer event attracts a wide range of international tour companies and opens up a window of opportunity for local businesses to showcase their tourism offerings and attend one-to-one appointments with a pre-qualified group of overseas buyers.

The week began with a showcase arrival evening on Monday hosting all the operators at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge.

Over the weekend many of the tour operators took part in five educational familiarisation trips across Northern Ireland, visiting a range of both new and established tourist experiences including the Giant’s Causeway, Strangford Lough, Glens of Antrim, the Mournes, Hinch Distillery in County Down and the recently opened Dark Sky Park and Observatory in Mid Ulster.

John McGrillen, Chief Executive of Tourism NI said;
"I am delighted at the interest that our flagship b2b event Meet the Buyer has generated this year after a two year break from meeting face to face. The last time we met in person, 91% of our industry attendees found that the operators were genuinely interested in generating bookings with Northern Ireland tourism businesses and 97% said the event exceeded their expectations.

"The operators are seeking to meet new suppliers, learn about new experiences, add to existing programmes or create new ones and so it is a real opportunity for our local companies to secure important business not only this year but into the future. Over 3000 sales appointments are taking place today and I am confident that these will result in significant business and bookings for future years. "

John added “This week is an important step forward for tourism in Northern Ireland. We are looking forward to connecting again, raising awareness and beginning the crucial task of recovery in our key international markets.”

Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said: “Tourism Ireland was delighted to bring 140 top international tourism buyers to Northern Ireland for Meet the Buyer 2022 from 16 global markets. The participation of these buyers from around the world is a strong indication that interest in programming Northern Ireland remains high and that it can, and is, competing with the best destinations in the world.

“Tourism Ireland has an extensive programme of promotions under way for 2022. We are taking every opportunity to leverage the many good news stories about Northern Ireland tourism this year – including the opening of the new Game of Thrones Studio Tour, the recent designation of Belfast as a UNESCO City of Music, the 10th anniversary of Titanic Belfast and the fact that The Open will return to Royal Portrush in 2025. We are also highlighting Northern Ireland’s screen tourism success, including the final series of ‘Derry Girls’ and the new ‘Belfast’ film directed by Sir Kenneth Branagh. Our message is that Northern Ireland is open for business again and we cannot wait to welcome back visitors from around the world.”

The event will conclude with a celebration evening tonight at ICC Belfast which will showcase a range of musical performances featuring a collaboration of Ulster Scots and Irish Traditional pipers, local jazz, Belfast Community Gospel Choice and performer Ryan McMullan.

For more information and resources on how Tourism NI is supporting the recovery of the tourism sector, go to www.tourismni.com.