PUT Northern Ireland ON top OF YOUR travel list!
You don’t need to travel far afield to see something new and exciting. Here are many reasons to visit Northern Ireland this spring or summer
3.8 MILLION PEOPLE CAN’T BE WRONG
According to the latest NISRA visitor statistics, 3.8 million people from across the world visited Northern Ireland in the first nine months of last year, spending a record £747 million. This equates to visitors contributing £2.7 million per day to the local economy. “Northern Ireland enjoyed overall growth from Great Britain, Europe and North America in the first nine months last year,” says Tourism NI Chief Executive John McGrillen. “Visitors from the Republic of Ireland jumped by 25pc in the nine months to September.” John says “favourable exchange rates” were just one of the reasons why Northern Ireland attracted more visitors last year. He highlights there had also been a change in the way people view the North, suggesting it was appealing to a new generation of visitors who are less influenced by Northern Ireland’s troubled past. He says, “Our research shows that perceptions of Northern Ireland as a holiday destination have improved demonstrably in the Republic.”
MORE PLACES TO STAY AND VISIT!
With the Titanic Hotel opening last year in Belfast, the capital city’s hotel room numbers are growing at a very fast rate. “Four new hotels alone are due to open in the city by June,” says Fiona Cunningham, Tourism NI ROI Market Manager. “There are expected to be 3,400 more rooms by 2019. This includes the Grand Central by Hastings Hotel, the AC Marriott and the George Best Hotel. Fiona adds, “And, there are a number of exciting tourism projects planned for the years ahead. These include the transformation of Derry’s Ebrington Square and – a first for Northern Ireland – a Dark Sky Observatory, visitor centre and glamping pods in the heart of the Sperrins. “I’d also recommend Catch & Sea, a new one-of-a-kind culinary journey. You set sail from Portrush Harbour into the rising sun over The Mull of Kintyre and Rathlin Island to catch and cook your own breakfast!”
IMMERSE YOURSELF
Northern Ireland offers a whole realm of immersive opportunities that are exciting to explore. Along with attractions such as the award-winning Titanic Experience and the Causeway Coast (named the best region in the world to visit in 2018 by Lonely Planet), screen tourism is a growing trend in Northern Ireland. “The HBO hit series Game of Thrones® is a major draw for visitors,” says Fiona. “There are over 25 filming locations to explore and immersive experiences to delve into the world of ‘Winterfell and Westeros’. Try your hand at archery at Castle Ward, the home of the Stark family, in Co Down. Drive along the Causeway Coast, stopping for Game of Thrones® Afternoon Tea or take a boat trip to view the filming locations from the water!” For more immersive experiences, turn to page 4.
TRAVEL WITHOUT HASSLE
One of the best things about visiting Northern Ireland at the moment is that you do not need to get your passport and any other flight-related documen- tation in order. All you need is yourself, your suitcase and some pounds! “The exchange rate is very strong, so there is great value for money to be had making your euro go further, especially in the quality of accommodation in Northern Ireland,” says Fiona. “The flexibility and convenience of being able to pack the car and drive a few hours up the road to a new destination makes it so much easier than flying abroad. So many people have yet to discover what Northern Ireland has to offer and it is right on their doorstep! “There are many destination options: be it a family break along the Causeway Coast, walking in the Sperrins or a bustling city break to Belfast for two.”
SAY HELLO TO MORE OUTDOORS
Whether it’s mountain biking in the Davagh Forest, angling on Lough Erne or cloud surfing in Limavady, there is an endless choice of outdoor activities in Northern Ireland. Even if you’re not usually the ‘outdoorsy’ type, just give something a try and who knows, you might find a new passion! “Our current Spring Campaign ‘Say Hello to More’ will focus on educating consumers on what Northern Ireland has to offer for a short break,” says Fiona. “It will profile hotels, guesthouses, guest accommodation and visitor attractions across Northern Ireland. Keep an eye out for easyto-follow itineraries and information on our dedicated web page, with offers to suit all tastes and budgets. “As the days begin to stretch, it’s a perfect time to get away and take that break to Northern Ireland and ‘Say Hello to More’.”