Tourism Northern Ireland hosts innovation roadshow in Antrim

Aimed at tourism and hospitality businesses across the region, the workshop was the second in a new series of three workshops taking place around Northern Ireland this week.

Part of Tourism Northern Ireland’s `Innovate Tourism’ programme, the interactive workshops aim to demonstrate how innovation is key to business growth, while also increasing awareness and knowledge about what innovation means in a tourism context.

In addition, the workshops, which are being facilitated by Jacqueline McCann, from Roll Innovation, will show businesses how to embed innovation in day-to-day operations, creating value and enhancing the visitor experience.

Today's attendees, who included accommodation providers, visitor experiences, tour guides and industry partners, also heard from Elaine Kelly, Group Project and Systems Manager at the Galgorm Collection, who shared the business’ innovate tourism story.

Tourism Northern Ireland is hosting the workshops in partnership with Innovate NI, a Department for the Economy NI initiative, which is delivered by Invest Northern Ireland in partnership with local councils and further education colleges.

The final innovation workshop this week will take place tomorrow at Killeavy Castle Estate in Newry.

Following a first series of similar innovation roadshows earlier this year, more than 30 businesses successfully reached stages of the Innovate NI programme, and were presented with a certificate.

Eimear Callaghan, Head of Experience and Industry Development at Tourism Northern Ireland, said: "These roadshows aim to help and support the sector continue to thrive in an increasingly competitive market. Innovation is key to staying competitive and relevant in the ever-evolving tourism landscape.

“Tourism is a regionally dispersed industry with more than 70% of tourism businesses and supported jobs located outside Belfast so therefore innovation workshops in areas like Antrim are crucial to driving the positive impact of tourism.”

Dr Vicky Kell, Director of Innovation, Research & Development at Invest Northern Ireland said: “By equipping businesses with the tools and insights they need to innovate, we empower them to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.

“Continuous innovation is essential for enhancing customer experiences and driving economic growth across Northern Ireland, particularly in regions outside of Belfast where tourism plays a crucial role."

Further information about the innovation roadshows is available at Innovate Tourism Roadshows