Pictured (l to r) is Anne Fitzgerald from Marathan Tours, Naomi Waite from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Maire Sexton and Ann Maher from Active Retirement and Jim Moore from Aunt Sandras at the popular ‘Great Days Out Fair’ in the iconic visitor attraction, Titanic Belfast

AN inspirational collection of group day visit ideas was showcased at this year’s popular ‘Days Out Fair’.

It was organised by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) in partnership with the Federation of Passenger Transport Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Tourist Guide Association (NITGA) at the iconic visitor attraction, Titanic Belfast.

The ‘Days Out Fair’ was attended by over 600 group trip organisers from Counties Antrim, Armagh, Down, Londonderry, Tyrone and Fermanagh to showcase their unique offering and included Visit Derry, Sheans Horse Farm, Navan Centre, Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory and Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism amongst others.

The exhibitors introduced a variety of inspirational days out of interest to a mix of groups from church, sports and social clubs to community groups, retirement associations and many more to help encourage fun group outings in Northern Ireland.

The Fair gave the local tourism industry the opportunity to meet a targeted audience which can deliver business growth through their group day trips in 2014 and familiarise themselves with the quality and selection of attractions available on their doorstep.

NITB Business to Business Manager Willie Lougheed says the ‘Days Out Fair’ is a welcome platform for many of Northern Ireland’s finest attractions.

“The ‘Days Out Fair’ is a unique platform for Northern Ireland’s key visitor attractions who showcased their product to a huge number of people helping to generate interest and potential visitors to their areas. Our stunning gardens, historic monuments, cultural experiences, heritage sites and special interest tours came to life as the people who know them best explained just why they are so special,” said Willie.

“2014 is set to be another standout year for tourism here and it’s extremely encouraging to see such passion and commitment from every exhibitor who attended this year’s Fair,” he added.

NITB worked in partnership with the Federation of Passenger Transport in Northern Ireland (FPTNI) to provide complimentary coach transport from designated departure points and the Northern Ireland Tour Guide Association (NITGA) to ensure that a qualified guide was on board each of the coaches to deliver useful information to the groups on the areas and visitor attractions within them.

Karen Magill, Chief Executive of Federation of Passenger Transport NI (FPTNI), said: “The Days Out Fair has proved to be a valuable opportunity for group trip organisers to learn more about the great visitor itineraries on offer throughout Northern Ireland. Together with our partners in the guiding sector, attractions and service providers we spoke to many hundreds of people.

“The event attracted huge numbers including local clubs and societies which gave us the opportunity to share our knowledge and expertise with group organisers across Northern Ireland,” added Karen.

For further information on group days out in Northern Ireland contact the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) on Callsave 1850 230 230 or visit www.discovernorthernireland.com/groups.