Six international travel writers – from the United States, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands – were in Belfast over the weekend to experience the Sound of Belfast festival and find out about the musical heritage of Belfast. They were here as guests of Tourism Ireland and Tourism NI.
During their stay, the journalists enjoyed a Van Morrison musical tour of East Belfast, visiting iconic locations such as Cyprus Avenue and taking part in a Belfast traditional music tour around the Cathedral Quarter. They also experienced a Terri Hooley’s ‘Alternative Walking Tour’ of Belfast, learning all about the city’s connections with The Undertones and visiting the site of the Good Vibrations record shop. The group spent time at the Oh Yeah Music Centre in Belfast, taking part in workshops and panel discussions as part of the festival. They also attended the NI Music Prize and Legend awards in Mandela Hall at Queen’s University.
Siobhan McManamy, Tourism Ireland’s Director of Markets, said, “Tourism Ireland was delighted to invite these international journalists to experience the fantastic music scene in Belfast. Their articles will be read by thousands of potential visitors in the US, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands – helping to spread the word about the many things to see and do in the city.
“The recent inclusion of Belfast and the Causeway Coast as the Number One Region in the world in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2018 is really great news. It provides Tourism Ireland with a great hook to continue to promote Belfast, the Causeway Coast and Northern Ireland as a ‘must visit’ destination. Tourism Ireland intends taking every opportunity to maximise this accolade for Northern Ireland around the world.”
