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Northern Quarter Reopens at Belfast International Airport Following £1 Million Investment
JWT Travel Launch New JWT Ireland Tours to Boost Travel to the Island
JWT Travel have announced their launch of JWT Ireland Tours that will focus on incoming travel to the island. The launch comes after the appointment of travel expert Giovanna Morelli who brings 20 years of experience in cultural, sports and educational tours, partnering with travel agencies across Europe, North America and Asia.
JWT Ireland Tours will focus on incoming language and educational tours for school and colleges, sports tours including golf, rugby and GAA, cultural itineraries and pilgrimages for groups and agency partners. Travel expert Giovanna Morelli said: “Ireland has a fantastic reputation abroad as a welcoming destination for students looking to practice language skills, learn about the country’s famous writers and experience first hand the island’s beauty,” “In terms of sports, we have a particularly
good offering for golf in particular, with top class courses and hotels across the whole country, attracting visitors from all over the world.”
THE new Northern Quarter at Belfast International Airport has officially opened to passengers, following a £1 million investment by Mount Charles. The new Northern Quarter Bar & Kitchen
will replace the previous food court layout with a single, 180-seat restaurant and bar operating alongside a dedicated Bewley’s coffee dock.
The project forms part of the airport’s wider £100m transformation programme and strengthens the partnership between Mount Charles and Belfast International Airport that spans more than 20 years. The new concept introduces a full- service, hospitality-led offering designed to give passengers a higher quality environment before departure. The fit-out includes a complete redesign of the space, upgraded kitchen facilities and new seating areas tailored to different passenger needs, from quick coffee stops to full dining. The opening has also led to the creation of 40 new roles, doubling Mount Charles’ team at the airport to 80 employees.
Stacey McAlister, Operations Director at Mount Charles, said “The opening of the new Northern Quarter is a significant milestone for our team. We set out to create a space that feels modern, comfortable and reflective of the standards passengers
expect from a leading airport.” “This
investment goes beyond the
physical refurbishment. We have recruited and trained an expanded team to deliver a consistent, high-quality service that enhances the overall airport experience. With the addition of a high-quality beverage partner in the form of Bewley’s, we have further cemented our commitment to
improving the airport’s hospitality
provision, and showcasing the fantastic flavours and products the island of Ireland has to offer.”
“Our partnership with Belfast International Airport has grown over two decades, and this next chapter reflects our shared ambition to raise standards and invest locally.” Dan Owens Chief Executive Officer at
Belfast International Airport, said, “This investment in the Northern Quarter represents an important part of our airport transformation programme.
The
new offering will deliver more choice for our passengers and provide a wide range of high-quality food and beverage options in a unique and welcoming space. We are looking forward to building on this partnership with Mount Charles as we continue to invest in the passenger experience over the years ahead.”
“My goal is always creating journeys that leave a mark and offering clients an experience that becomes a precious memory because every trip should move you, not just take you from one place to another.” David Walsh of JWT Travel and Joe Walsh
Tours said: “This is an exciting new development for
JWT. We are thrilled to be expanding the portfolio of tours on offer to agency partners outside of Ireland and we are delighted to welcome Giovanna to the team,”.
April/May 2026
Thailand Updates Visa-Free Travel Regulations THAILAND’S
Ministry of
Foreign
Affairs has confirmed plans to reduce the visa-free stay window from 60 days to 30 days.
This move comes following concerns of foreign nationals taking advantage of the visa-free entry period to operate illegal businesses, as well as acquiring property. The 60-day visa ruling was initially introduced under former Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin to bolster tourism and increase the economy. However, follow extensive Government discussions,
a
decision was made to reduce this visa free period of 60 days down to 30 days. Thailand’s Government officials have highlighted that a period 30 days for visa free travel should be plenty of time for genuine visitors and holiday-makers to explore the region, and will help to crack down on misuse of the visa-free system.
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