GCC a key focus for Ireland

THE Gulf region will remain a key part of Tourism Ireland’s marketing plans for 2015, following continued, year on year increases in the number of visitors from the region.

The tourism authority, which is responsible for promoting inbound tourism to the island of Ireland, has outlined a particular focus on promoting Northern Ireland in the GCC region in 2015’s agenda.

Recently published Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures confirmed growth of 9 per cent in overseas visitors to Republic of Ireland for 2014, with Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) figures confirming a growth of 19 per cent in overseas holidaymakers to Northern Ireland, compared with the same period in 2013.

Tourism Ireland announced that Northern Ireland attracts 21 per cent of all visitors to Ireland, a figure that the organisation is keen to see rise in 2015.

Tourism Ireland looks set to welcome almost 1.9 million visitors to Northern Ireland in 2015, 6 per cent more than in 2014 and delivering an estimated £552 million ($836 million) to the Northern Irish economy this year.

Major Northern Ireland themes and attractions in 2015 will be central to Tourism Ireland’s marketing plans – including the Causeway Coastal Route, Titanic Belfast, the Giant’s Causeway, National Trust properties, its world-class golf offering, outdoor activities, as well as locally produced food.

“Gulf visitors are known for their appreciation of natural landscapes and destinations like the Giant’s Causeway have strong appeal for the region’s travellers, providing perfect opportunities for adventure and exploration in 2015,” adds Burns.

Key events like the Irish Open as well as city breaks to Belfast and Londonderry will also be a key focus. Tourism Ireland will build on the success of the Game of Thrones campaign this year and will exploit ‘new news’ about Northern Ireland – including the launch of attractions such as the Gobbins Cliff Path and the newly-refurbished Mount Stewart house.

DIGITAL GROWTH

Tourism Ireland is now the fourth most popular tourism board in the world on Facebook (about 2.65 million fans), number three on Twitter and number two on YouTube. The Gulf region’s Twitter channel has 15.6K followers and the Discover Ireland Arabic Facebook page has more than 40,200 likes, following dedicated social media campaigns launched by Tourism Ireland in the region.

As part of the commitment to the region, Tourism Ireland recently held an exclusive online competition for Gulf residents to win an all-expenses paid trip for two to Northern Ireland. Winners will travel around the Causeway Coastal Route for five days, discovering all the incredible attractions the Northern coast has to offer along the way.