Tourism Northern Ireland hosts industry celebration event

The gathering at Crumlin Road Gaol took place as part of Northern Ireland’s first Tourism and Hospitality Week.

The week is being supported by Tourism NI, Hospitality Ulster, the Northern Ireland Hotel Federation (NIHF), the Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance (NITA), Tourism Ireland, the Further & Higher Education Network and Ulster University, as well as tourism and hospitality businesses across Northern Ireland.

The dedicated week aims to shine a spotlight on the importance of the sector to the local economy through a series of engaging events for both industry and the public.

Launched in spring 2023, the Portfolio is an ongoing developmental programme for tourism experience businesses which aims to increase their commercial skills, increase revenue and enhance their experiences within the context of the Northern Ireland tourism brand.

More than 100 businesses currently participate in Tourism NI’s Embrace a Giant Spirit Experience Portfolio.

Today’s event aimed to celebrate the success and growth of the Portfolio businesses, whilst also encouraging networking and collaboration.

Those gathered also heard about key destination development trends and insights.

Businessman Dermot Friel, who recently opened the Gorta Famine visitor experience in Swatragh, shared his experience with those gathered.

Other speakers included Cathy O’Neill, from The Emigrant’s Walk, Claire Crerand, from McConnell’s Distillery, and expert travel writer, Pól Ó Conghaile.

As part of the event, there was also an industry Q&A.

Following a networking lunch, the businesses took part in guided tours around Crumlin Road Gaol and McConnell’s Distillery. Jessica Hoyle, NI Experience Brand Development Manager at Tourism NI, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating with key members of our tourism experience industry today, as a part of Northern Ireland’s first Tourism and Hospitality Week.

“Authentic and immersive experiences are vital for enhancing the appeal of our destination and the Embrace a Giant Spirit Experience Portfolio, which currently supports more than 100 tourism experience operators, is a fantastic opportunity to support the growth, productivity and innovation of these important businesses.

“It was a pleasure to welcome Pol O’Conghaile, whose motivating and inspiring presentation truly resonated with our attendees, igniting a shared passion for the future of our experience industry.”

She added: “We look forward to continuing to invest and develop the Experience Portfolio to build a thriving experience sector which confidently and successfully awakens the Giant Spirit in our visitors.”

Further information about Tourism NI’s Embrace a Giant Spirit Experience Portfolio is available at Embrace a Giant Spirit: Experience Portfolio | Tourism NI