Tourism NI hosts culture, arts and heritage workshop in the North West

Around 30 local attractions and experience providers attended the gathering, which was the first step in a pilot programme to develop a new culture, arts and heritage tourism PLACE initiative in the area.

The workshop was opened by Paul Mullan, Chair of the Culture, Arts & Heritage Tourism Task & Finish Group. 

The group’s remit is to explore the potential for culture, arts, heritage and tourism to work together in a PLACE context, involving communities, and blending with other experiences, such as outdoor activities and food and drink offerings. 

At the event today, attendees heard about the changing mindset of tourism and the opportunity for PLACE to become a connector and how a collaborative approach is essential to stand out and deliver for the city and the district.  
An interactive discussion delved into the very essence of the place to inspire future visitor experiences. 
Participants heard how a collaborative approach to experience development can deliver many benefits including increased revenue and competitiveness as well as enhanced business sustainability.  

Facilitated by Tina O’Dwyer, CEO of The Tourism Space, those at the workshop heard from a host of local industry speakers who explored topics including perceived opportunities, barriers and challenges. 

Kieran Dunlop from Music Capital, shared his own journey, experiences and insights into collaborative partnerships. There was also a panel discussion involving David Gilliland from Brook Hall Estate, Emily McCorkell from Lo&Slo and Lorcan McBride from Far & Wild.   

Liz Steele, Culture and Heritage Manager at Tourism NI, said: “Studies have shown that the cultural traveller is increasingly driven by a desire for distinctive and engaging experiences which allow them to interact with the local population, discover traditions and explore a destination's culture beyond the usual tourist attractions. 

“Today’s workshop is part of a pilot programme to craft an approach to creating local, connected clusters of activities which provide a more varied and distinctive product and better grassroots engagement for the visitor. 

“The intention is that this approach can be replicated by other destinations to prompt innovation and build clusters of activities across the regions. In turn, this aligns with the ambition of the recently launched Tourism Vision & Action Plan 2035, which aims to grow Northern Ireland’s range of compelling visitor experiences that offer variety, quality and authenticity.”