Inaugural Shared Island tourism workshop connects overseas tour operators with coastal tourism businesses

 (L-R) Back Row: Karen Henderson, Visit Derry; Catriona Cassidy, Triona; Joy Browne, Donegal County Council; Jason Powell, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council; Niamh Quinn, Hanna Hats; Micháel Naughton and Antoinette Coyle, both Clanree Hotel; Carolynne Murray, Shandon Hotel & Spa. Front Row: Adrian O’Keeffe, Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment; Ciaran Doherty, Tourism Northern Ireland; Joan Crawford, Fáilte Ireland; and Etta Austin, Tourism Ireland, at the inaugural Shared Island tourism workshop in Derry-Londonderry.  

The event brought around 50 overseas tour operators from eight key tourism markets together with 110 tourism businesses from along the two iconic routes.

The workshop was the first initiative of its kind under the Shared Island framework which aims to sustainably grow overseas visitor numbers by highlighting the connectivity of the two routes, encouraging visitors to stay longer, thereby increasing the economic benefits of tourism.

Over 1,500 commercial meetings took place during the workshop, with the tourism businesses including premium hotels, food experiences, whiskey distilleries, activity providers and hidden gems of heritage – connecting with the overseas tour operators to negotiate and exchange vital contracts for 2027 and beyond.

During their visit to the island of Ireland, the overseas buyers will also participate in networking sessions and familiarisation trips along the Causeway Coastal Route and the northern section of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Alice Mansergh, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said: “We are delighted to welcome our overseas travel trade partners and local tourism SMEs to our inaugural Shared Island workshop.

“By bringing the buyers together with tourism businesses from the Causeway Coastal Route and the northern section of Wild Atlantic Way, we are creating valuable opportunities to showcase everything that makes this part of our island such a compelling destination for visitors from around the world.

“There’s an extraordinary tourism offering here, from spectacular coastlines and outdoor adventures to culture, history, food and hospitality. We’re highlighting the connectivity of the two routes, to inspire visitors to stay longer and spend more here. Through collaboration and partnership, we can drive sustainable growth for local SMEs and communities.”

Laura McCorry, Chief Executive of Tourism Northern Ireland, said: "Tourism NI is proud to support this inaugural Shared Island initiative, which highlights the shared strengths of the Causeway Coastal Route and the Wild Atlantic Way.

“By bringing international travel buyers together with local tourism businesses, we are creating new opportunities to showcase the quality, authenticity and diversity of the visitor experiences available across this remarkable coastal region.  Such workshops help tourism businesses convert interest into sales, strengthen international distribution channels and secure future visitor demand for the region.

“This collaboration represents an important step in unlocking new economic opportunities for communities and businesses while supporting sustainable tourism growth for the future."

Caroline Bocquel, Chief Executive of Fáilte Ireland, said: "Encouraging visitors to travel beyond traditional tourism hotspots and explore more of our regional destinations is key to growing tourism sustainably and delivering greater economic benefits for local communities across the region.

“Through our partnership with Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland, this Shared Island initiative is creating valuable opportunities for tourism businesses across the North-West to connect directly with international buyers. Having spent the past week experiencing first-hand the exceptional tourism offering across the northern section of the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route, these buyers have gained a deeper understanding of what makes this region so distinctive.

“The relationships developed through today's workshop, together with the insights gained during the familiarisation visits, will help drive future business, inspire new visitor itineraries and ultimately attract more overseas visitors to communities across the region."

** The Shared Island Tourism workshop was part of an all-island tourism brand collaboration and marketing initiative developed by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland, and Tourism Ireland. The project commenced in 2023 with funding provided through the Government of Ireland's Shared Island Fund.