Local Tourism Businesses Become ‘Visitors for a Day’

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council welcomed 50 local tourism businesses to the Canal Court Hotel on Thursday 19 September for a familiarisation programme on everything the district has to offer visitors. 

As part of the programme, a tour of local businesses helped create a better awareness of what there is to do and see for visitors to the district. With the current focus on food as part of ‘Taste the Island’, the tour included a stop at Hannah’s Close for a demonstration of traditional bread baking, sampling of Nearynogs Chocolate and a tour of Killowen Distillery. Rounding off the day was a stop at Bluebell Lane glamping facilities and the recently opened Killeavy Castle Estate.

Council Chairperson, Council Charlie Casey, spoke to the group at Killeavy Castle saying, “This familiarisation trip will give all the businesses an opportunity to network with each other and enhance their own personal knowledge on what there is to see and do in this great district that we live and work in.

“At the end of the day, you will be able to give a more informed choice to your guests when they are looking suggestions of what to do and see whilst staying or visiting the area.

“As a district, we have a wealth of tourism products. Our area is rich in heritage, culture as well as an incredible array of food. We are all ambassadors for Newry, Mourne and Down, and it is important to know what we can offer to visitors.

“According to the 2018 local government statistics supplied by NISRA, our area enjoyed 450,000 overnight trips, coming just behind visits to Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway. Tourism expenditure in the district equates to around £69 million and we are always looking to increase this as we improve and extend the visitor experience.”