Tourism NI launches “unique” US 250 Experience Development Programme

Photo caption: (L-R) Paula McIntyre, chef, Liz Steele, Culture & Tourism Manager at Tourism NI, Sharon Scott, Place and Destination Marketing expert and Colin Urwin, storyteller, pictured at the recent US 250 Experience Development Programme workshop at Clandeboye Estate.

Funded by the Department for Communities USA-NI250 Scheme, the new experiences will focus on the period immediately before and after the signing of the US Declaration of Independence in 1776 and tell the stories of the key figures from Northern Ireland who influenced cultural and political life at that time.

The America 250 Experience Development Programme has been launched to tie in with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence which takes place this year.

Northern Ireland and the US share a rich tapestry of cultural connections, reflecting their intertwined histories and shared heritage.

Tourism NI is seeking to support the creation of new experiences which combine historical authenticity, community engagement, and creative storytelling. 

The experiences will be place based, culturally rooted and reflect diverse cultural narratives, including Ulster-Scots, Scotch-Irish, and Irish contributions to American history during the late 18^th Century.

Tourism NI received expressions of interest from tourism providers across the north and recently held its first workshop with the businesses. 

Initial ideas include music, craft, industrial and farming heritage, food and drink, emigration, signatories to the Declaration of Independence – of which five had had direct Ulster family connections- and the genealogy of US presidents.

During the session, the attendees received support about how to craft a saleable brand-aligned experience and getting market ready.

They also had the opportunity to take part in one-to-one appointments with the programme facilitators - Paula McIntyre, chef, Colin Urwin, storyteller, Sharon Scott, Place and Destination Marketing expert, and Liz Steele, Culture and Heritage Tourism Manager at Tourism NI.

Going forward, those taking part in the programme will also receive mentoring, take part in site visits, and explore market testing.

It is hoped the new experiences will be ready by the end of May.

Liz Steele, Culture and Heritage Tourism Manager at Tourism NI, said: “America 250 is a unique opportunity to connect with one of our largest source markets and inspire visitors to come and explore the many, multifaceted stories that connect Northern Ireland and the United States.

“For those closer to home, these stories allow us to refresh and reframe experiences to engage visitors and immerse them in aspects our culture and heritage that were so influential in the United States at that time”.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: “I am pleased that the USA-NI250 scheme is shining a light on our unique place in a global story and the remarkable contribution people from Ulster made to the founding of the United States. 

“The 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence highlights the potential for the heritage, arts, and wider cultural sector to amplify their offer to local and US visitors as part of Northern Ireland's USA 250 commemorations.

“Initiatives such as the America 250 Experience Development Programme further highlight our influential role and deepen the longstanding ties we share with the United States. With support from the Department for Communities, new experiences are being developed that will bring these stories to life for visitors at home and abroad and I am keen that visitors get to experience our shared heritage through the deep connections between Northern Ireland and the US.”