Antrim Glens tourism businesses work together to promote region

Twenty Glens of Antrim tourism providers have visited Rathlin Island to experience first-hand what's on offer for visitors. The trip was organised by Antrim Glens Tourism which represents tourism providers across the nine Glens of Antrim and Gateway to the Glens areas.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Mar 2017, 15:51 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2017, 10:59 BST
Mary ODriscoll, Rathlin Island Ferry Ltd and Chair of Antrim Glens Tourism (second left) with tourism business providers on the ferry to Rathlin.Mary ODriscoll, Rathlin Island Ferry Ltd and Chair of Antrim Glens Tourism (second left) with tourism business providers on the ferry to Rathlin.
Mary ODriscoll, Rathlin Island Ferry Ltd and Chair of Antrim Glens Tourism (second left) with tourism business providers on the ferry to Rathlin.

Antrim Glens Tourism was established in 2002 to promote the advancement and encouragement of the tourist industry in the Glens of Antrim; represent the views and interests of local tourism and hospitality providers; and ensure representation of the Glens of Antrim within the wider regional tourism strategy.

Mary O’Driscoll, recently elected Chair of Antrim Glens Tourism, said: “This is a great opportunity for us to see and experience Rathlin Island through the eyes of a visitor.

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“As our members are scattered across the region from Ballycastle to Glenarm and beyond to the Gateways to the Glens, ‘familiarisation trips’ like this help members network with other providers and find out what there is to do and see locally. This will enable us to work together more effectively to promote the Glens of Antrim and the Causeway Coastal Route to potential visitors.”

Following lunch at the recently refurbished Manor House Rathlin, the group visited the Boat House and then dropped into McCuaig’s pub for the opportunity to meet up with many of the other tourism providers on the island to find out what’s new for visitors in 2017.

“We’re delighted that so many Antrim Glens Tourism members have taken the time and trouble to come and visit us,” said Genevieve McLernon, operator of Manor House Rathlin.

“We applaud this initiative to help build product knowledge and partnerships within the local tourism industry.

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“We’ve now signed up as members as we see that the best way to attract more visitors to the area and increase length of stay is to work together and collectively promote the whole region.”

Antrim Glens Tourism membership is open to all tourism businesses across cross the nine Glens of Antrim from Ballycastle to Glenarm and surrounding ‘Gateway to the Glens’ areas as well as providers from outside the area who wish to work and increase the tourism potential of The Glens of Antrim.

Members include accommodation, activity, excursion and transport providers, hotels, cafes, restaurants, bars, tour guides and retail outlets. It provides a forum where businesses can work together to maximise their product potential, to raise awareness of the Glens of Antrim as a tourist destination and to help support promotion of the Causeway Coastal Route.