Tourism Ireland and Tourism NI host Italian travel agents on an unforgettable tour of the historic landmarks and scenic beauty of Northern Ireland: you need to know

Posted on October 30, 2025

A group of travel agents from Italy’s largest tour operator, Cocktail Viaggi, recently visited Northern Ireland on a carefully curated familiarization trip hosted by Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland (Tourism NI). This exclusive tour aims to provide agents with an in-depth look at Northern Ireland’s diverse tourism offering, from its historic landmarks to its natural wonders, all while helping to shape future travel itineraries for 2026 and beyond.

Uncovering the hidden gems of Northern Ireland

Travel agents’ journey is designed to give them a comprehensive experience of the best destinations in Northern Ireland. They explored famous attractions, such as Titanic Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway, while also visiting immersive cultural sites such as Londonderry and Omagh. The tour is designed to not only highlight famous sites in Northern Ireland but also offer lesser-known experiences that provide real links to local history and culture.

Titanic Belfast: a deep dive into maritime history

The adventure began in Belfast, where customers discovered Titanic Belfast, a popular museum and visitor attraction dedicated to the story of the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Clients are taken on an emotional and educational journey through the ship’s creation, its tragic sinking and its place in Belfast’s industrial heritage. The museum’s design, which mimics the shape of the ship, provided an unforgettable visual experience that brought the history of the Titanic to life.

The group also visited Titanic Distillers, where they discovered how Belfast’s distilling traditions have evolved over the centuries. This unique combination of history and craftsmanship sparked the interest of agents, who saw huge potential in offering this authentic experience to Italian tourists eager to explore Belfast outside traditional sightseeing routes.

North Coast: Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle

Next on our itinerary was the north coast of Northern Ireland, home to two of the region’s most stunning landmarks. With its stunning hexagonal columns formed as a result of ancient volcanic activity, the Giant’s Causeway gave customers a rare opportunity to witness nature’s ingenuity. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the bridge provides an amazing experience for visitors, combining stunning views with a sense of myth and legend that connects the site to centuries-old stories.

Clients also visited Dunluce Castle, a medieval ruin located on a dramatic cliff above the Atlantic Ocean. The imposing building, with its ancient walls and stunning views, left a lasting impression on customers. A visit to the castle not only highlighted Northern Ireland’s rich history, but also gave agents a glimpse into the country’s stunning beauty, which is often associated with adventure and exploration.

Derry Londonderry: a city of peace and resilience

Next, the familiarization trip took the group to Derry Londonderry, a city famous for its history, culture and recent transformation. Customers toured the famous city walls, which date back to the 17th century, to learn about the pivotal role Derry played in Irish and British history. They were also introduced to the Peacemakers Museum, which celebrates the efforts of individuals who have contributed to Derry’s journey from conflict to peace.

This visit allowed customers to see how a destination can evolve from a place of division to one of unity and reconciliation, making it an important stop for any traveler looking to connect with Northern Ireland’s complex past and hopeful future.

Ulster American Folk Park: The Story of the Irish Immigration

The final stop on the trip was the popular Ulster American Park in Omagh, where clients explored Ireland’s role in the great waves of immigration to the United States. The park, a living history museum, offers visitors the opportunity to experience the hardships and hopes of Irish families who left for a new life across the Atlantic. By walking through the reconstructed historic buildings, clients were able to gain a deeper understanding of the Irish diaspora and the cultural ties that still exist between Ireland and the United States.

Strengthening tourism connectivity between Italy and Northern Ireland

This familiarization trip offered more than just sightseeing. It has provided an opportunity to build stronger relationships between Northern Ireland and the Italian travel market. By allowing agents to experience first-hand the diversity and depth of Northern Ireland’s tourism offering, Tourism Ireland and Tourism NI are ensuring that Italian travelers will have greater access to exciting, culturally immersive and historically rich experiences in the years to come.

With its combination of dramatic landscapes, historic sites and welcoming atmosphere, Northern Ireland is quickly becoming a favorite destination for international tourists, especially those from Italy. The aim of the trip was to inspire travel agents to include more Northern Ireland offerings in their itineraries for 2026, providing a new perspective on this stunning region.

Conclusion: The future of Northern Ireland in the Italian travel market

As Northern Ireland continues to expand its global reach, initiatives such as this familiarization trip help strengthen long-term relationships with international travel agents. Agents’ experiences with Northern Ireland’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage are sure to inspire future travel plans for Italian tourists, ensuring Northern Ireland remains a top destination for years to come.

With its fascinating blend of history, culture and natural beauty, Northern Ireland is set to capture the imagination of travellers, especially those from markets such as Italy, who are looking for new and immersive experiences in Europe.