Northern Ireland is making a strong push to attract visitors from North America, with Economy Minister Conor Murphy leading the charge. This week, Minister Murphy is visiting Chicago and Toronto, meeting with key players in the travel industry, including tour operators, airline representatives, and prominent travel journalists. The aim? To strengthen tourism ties and bolster Northern Ireland’s profile as a must-visit destination.
At a business lunch in Chicago, Minister Murphy expressed gratitude for the long-standing support in promoting the island of Ireland. He emphasized the significant potential for tourism growth from the United States and Canada, stating that these markets have a strong affinity for Ireland’s values and aspirations.
Minister Murphy highlighted the economic impact of tourism in Northern Ireland, emphasizing its role as a major indigenous industry supporting around 65,000 jobs, many of which are located outside the capital city of Belfast. This makes tourism crucial for promoting a more balanced economy throughout the region.
During his meetings, Minister Murphy enthusiastically showcased the diverse and captivating attractions of Northern Ireland, urging U.S. and Canadian travelers to consider it for their next vacation. In Chicago, he drew attention to the historical walled city of Derry, home to Europe’s largest Halloween festival – a captivating event that takes place next month. He also spoke about the allure of the UNESCO Geopark of Mourne Gullion Strangford in the east, the scenic beauty of Fermanagh in the west, and the vibrant cultural scene of Belfast 2024 – a year-long celebration of creativity and artistic expression.
Siobhan McManamy, Director of Markets & Partnerships at Tourism Ireland, echoed Minister Murphy’s sentiment, stating that Tourism Ireland is committed to boosting the value of overseas tourism for the island of Ireland. She highlighted the diverse offerings of Northern Ireland, ranging from iconic landmarks to hidden gems, and expressed enthusiasm for the ambitious marketing program in place to promote the region to potential travelers. The program includes high-impact campaigns and promotions designed to reach those most likely to choose Northern Ireland as their destination.
With a strong emphasis on collaboration with both Irish and American tourism partners, the goal is to make it easier than ever for travelers to discover the beauty and charm of the island of Ireland. This focused effort to attract North American tourists promises to bring significant benefits to Northern Ireland’s economy and further solidify its place on the global tourism map.
