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Tourism businesses connect at Causeway Coastal Route speed networking event

Tourism businesses connect at Causeway Coastal Route speed networking event

Fri, April 28, 2023

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Destination Tourism Team teamed up with and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to host a successful Causeway Coastal Route (CCR) speed networking event this week.

A total of 43 tourism businesses attended the event at The Marine Hotel in Ballycastle and welcomed the opportunity to hear from Jessica Hoyle of Tourism NI, who is responsible for the development of the tourism brand 'Northern Ireland - Embrace a Giant Spirit'.

Mary O’Driscoll Chair, Glens of Antrim Tourism Cluster also gave an update on the Causeway Coastal Route Cluster and Jason Powell, Tourism Marketing Manager at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council spoke about the recent developments and opportunities that exist for the trade in both Council areas.

The businesses then took part in a speed networking session, which gave them an opportunity to enhance their product knowledge and promote collaboration along the CCR.

The participants included a wide range of tourism businesses, including accommodation, activity providers, experiences and community hubs. Feedback from the event was very positive.

Closer working partnerships between the tourism teams of Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid and East Antrim Borough Councils have been evident in recent years through the creation of joint marketing publications such as the Tour Operators Group Experience Guide and the CCR map, as well as sharing attendance at key tourism trade and consumer shows.

Pictured at the speed networking event in Ballycastle are (L-R) Brian Connolly, Experience Development, Tourism Northern Ireland; Jason Powell, Tourism Marketing Manager, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council; Kerrie McGonigle, Destination Manager, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council; Jessica Hoyle, Tourism Manager - Experience Brand Development, Tourism Northern Ireland and Mary O’Driscoll Chair, Glens of Antrim Cluster.