02 Oct 2026
Tourism Northern Ireland has hosted the latest meeting of the Outdoor Tourism Partnership (OTP)
This meeting, which took place in Co Down, came at an important stage in the development of the Partnership's work programme as it moves towards agreement on a number of priority projects that will help shape the future of outdoor tourism in Northern Ireland.
The ‘Embracing Outdoor Tourism’ framework aims to support the delivery of a strategic and coordinated approach to the promotion of outdoor adventure, activity and nature tourism in the region.
Tourism Northern Ireland has been engaged with the Interdepartmental Working Group to present four priority projects identified through feedback from OTP members and informed by visitor research.
The latest meeting, held at Life Adventure in Castlewellan Forest Park, provided a valuable opportunity to hear updates on a range of significant initiatives, exchange knowledge with partners, and contribute to discussions that will help shape the future direction of outdoor tourism across Northern Ireland.
During the discussions, there was a welcome for DAERA's recent commitment to the development of a new Outdoor Recreation Action Plan for Northern Ireland.
Representatives from DAERA and delivery consultants, Outscape, provided an update on progress and outline opportunities for OTP members to contribute to the plan's development, while Jane Clarke from the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP), gave an overview of the tourism implications arising from the OEP's recent assessment of Northern Ireland's Environmental Improvement Plan.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council also shared updates on their outdoor recreation and tourism portfolio, highlighting current developments, opportunities and challenges within the sector.