International Travel Trade Delegation Experiences Mourne Gullion Strangford Houses & Gardens

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has welcomed an international travel trade delegation to the region as part of ongoing efforts to grow tourism and raise the profile of Mourne Gullion Strangford in key overseas markets.

Organised by Tourism Northern Ireland, the familiarisation visit brought travel professionals from European countries, Canada and the United States to experience some of the area’s renowned heritage properties and gardens.

The group stayed at Hillyard House Hotel in Castlewellan and enjoyed an itinerary designed to showcase the district's rich garden and heritage offering. Highlights included a Head Gardener’s tour of the recently reopened Annesley Gardens, Castlewellan Forest Park, followed by lunch at The Mulberry Tree. The delegation also visited Seaforde Demesne, where they were welcomed by Lady Anthea Forde for a guided tour of the gardens and estate. The itinerary continued with guided house and garden tours at Castle Ward and Montalto Estate, providing delegates with first-hand experience of the unique visitor experiences available across Moune Gullion Strangford. 

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna, said: "We were delighted to welcome this international delegation to our district and showcase the exceptional experiences that make Mourne Gullion Strangford such a special place to visit. Our heritage properties, historic estates and beautiful gardens offer visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the history, culture and natural beauty of the area. Visits such as these are invaluable in helping travel professionals gain a genuine understanding of our destination and inspire them to include our experiences within future tour programmes.

"By working closely with Tourism Northern Ireland and industry partners, we can continue to raise the profile of our district on the international stage and encourage more visitors to discover everything our region has to offer."

Familiarisation visits play an important role in helping international travel buyers and tour operators develop new itineraries and generate future tourism business.  By experiencing the destination first-hand, delegates are better placed to recommend Northern Ireland, and particularly Mourne Gullion Strangford, to their clients and customers.

Through initiatives such as this, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council continues to work with tourism partners to showcase the region's world-class attractions, hospitality and experiences to influential travel trade professionals from around the globe.