Tourism Ireland board meets in Derry at Bishop's Gate Hotel

The Bishop’s Gate Hotel was the venue for the May board meeting of Tourism Ireland, which took place in Derry today.

The board members also took the opportunity to meet with local tourism operators, to discuss the upcoming summer season and the extensive programme of promotions which Tourism Ireland is undertaking to highlight Northern Ireland around the world this year.

Speaking after the board meeting, Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “We were delighted to be in Londonderry for this month’s board meeting and to have the chance to meet with representatives of the local tourism industry and to hear how their business is doing.

"It also afforded us the opportunity to discuss the extensive promotional programme which Tourism Ireland is undertaking around the world this year, to build on the success of 2017 and continue to grow overseas visitor numbers to Derry and Northern Ireland this year.

“In 2018, Tourism Ireland continues to create ‘stand out’ for Northern Ireland around the world, highlighting wonderful experiences like the Causeway Coastal Route, the walled city of Derry and Titanic Belfast.

"We continue to leverage our connection with Game of Thrones and we are also promoting Northern Ireland as a top golf destination, in particular the fact that the 148th Open is set to take place at Royal Portrush in 2019.

"We are committed to ensuring that Northern Ireland continues to increase its share of the global travel business.”

Overseas tourism delivers about £586 million per year for the Northern Ireland economy, helping to sustain over 61,000 jobs in local communities.

Pictured above: From left to right - Niall Gibbons, Tourism Ireland; Jennifer McKeever, Chamber of Commerce; Joan O'Shaughnessy, Tourism Ireland Chairman; and James Huey, Walled City Brewery.