German and Austrian tour operators experience Derry Halloween
Nine tour operators from Germany and Austria have been getting into the Halloween spirit during a visit to Derry at the weekend, as guests of Tourism Ireland and Tourism NI.
The visiting tour operators are important partners for Tourism Ireland, bringing valued German and Austrian visitors to the island of Ireland.
Tourism Ireland said its aim was to familiarise them with ‘our superb tourism offering’, and ‘to ensure Northern Ireland continues to feature prominently in their programme’.
As well as enjoying Derry Halloween, the group took part in a walking tour of the city with Derrie Danders.
The group also visited Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Titanic Belfast, Titanic Distillers and went on a music walking tour with Creative Tours Belfast.
The Giant’s Causeway, the Ulster American Folk Park and an Erne Water Taxi also featured on the group’s itinerary, along with site visits to Finn Lough, The Salthouse Hotel in Ballycastle, The Bedford Hotel Belfast and the new Aloft by Marriott Belfast Titanic Quarter.
Nadine Lehmann, Tourism Ireland’s Manager for DACH countries (Germany, Austria and Switzerland), said: “Tourism Ireland was delighted to invite this group of influential German and Austrian tour operators to visit Northern Ireland, to experience our superb tourism experiences, as well as the Derry Halloween festival.
"Our aim is that their time here will inspire them to feature Northern Ireland prominently in their programmes, encouraging more German and Austrian holidaymakers to choose the destination in 2027 and beyond.”
NISRA figures for 2025 confirm that overseas tourism to Northern Ireland contributed around £637 million to the economy, driven by over 2 million overseas tourists.