Tourism NI hosts `Next Steps' Innovate Tourism Workshop

The event, at The MAC in Belfast, was aimed at businesses who have already embarked on their own innovation journey.

Tourism Northern Ireland recently hosted two series of interactive innovation roadshows as part of the organisation’s `Innovate Tourism’ programme.

The regional roadshows aimed to demonstrate how innovation is key to business growth. 

At the workshops, businesses were shown how to embed innovation in their day-to-day operations, creating value and enhancing the visitor experience

The businesses were also given advice and guidance, including what funding support is available to help generate new ideas to grow.

The workshops were hosted in partnership with Innovate NI, a Department for the Economy NI initiative, delivered by Invest Northern Ireland, in partnership with local councils and further education colleges. 

 In October, businesses who signed up to the Innovate NI programme, and who had successfully reached various stages in their journey, were recognised for their achievements and presented with a certificate. 

Today, the industry were invited to attend a follow up `Next Steps’ Innovate Tourism workshop.

Facilitated by Jacqueline McCann, from Roll Innovation, the session included a brief refresh of previous roadshows before moving on to road-mapping and action planning for businesses and their innovative ideas, aligned with the Innovation Framework.

There was also a panel discussion featuring members of the tourism industry who are at various stages in their Innovation Recognition. Included in this discussion was Mark Rodgers, from Landmark Luxury.

During the workshop, Innovate NI also shared insights on the Innovation Recognition process for those who are ready to start their journey or move up to the next level.

Eimear Callaghan, Head of Experience and Industry Development at Tourism NI, said: “Innovation is key to developing enhanced and stand-out visitor experiences in such a competitive operating environment.

“Focusing on innovation therefore will ultimately drive destination appeal and likelihood to visit. 

"It is important an important tool to build destination appeal and we applaud the tourism businesses here today who are committed to innovative growth for the year ahead.”

“The 10-year Action Plan launched last week by Minister Conor Murphy outlines significant growth targets for our sector and therefore, innovation is crucial to realising this shared ambition.”

Paul O'Callaghan, Innovate NI Manager at Invest Northern Ireland, said: “The second series of Innovate Tourism workshops represent an exciting opportunity to build on the progress we have made to date, enabling tourism businesses throughout Northern Ireland to deliver innovative solutions that elevate our tourism experience. 

"Invest NI through Innovate NI, is committed to supporting projects that both strengthen our global reputation and deliver tangible benefits to local communities and the wider economy."