November/December 2024
Visitors to Game of Thrones Studio Tour Up by Over 30% Following Restructure
THE award-winning Game of Thrones Studio Tour attraction in Banbridge, Co Down has revealed that visitor numbers have increased by 35% in 2024 following a year-on-year increase of over 30% in 2023. The strong growth follows
a restructuring of the business and its management team and a further £5m investment by US private investor Stephens GOT LLC. Developed in partnership with
producers HBO and Warner Bros Discovery as the world’s only official Game of Thrones Studio Tour. The attraction opened in 2022 in a former linen mill factory which hosted filming of
seven seasons of the show. The attraction has received endorsements from Game of Thrones author George RR Martin and series showrunner DB Weiss, who have visited Banbridge in recent months. Andrew Webb, Chair of the
Board of Game of Thrones Studio Tour,
said: Board of
Game of Thrones Studio Tour, said:
“While initial visitor
numbers were below original expectations, we are now on a pathway to attracting 400,000 visitors per year. Given the value of tourism to the wider economy, we’re particularly pleased that Game of Thrones Studio Tour grew
numbers by 30% in 2023, with a further 35% rise so far this year.
Belfast Secures Top 10 Place in Global Sustainability Index
BELFAST drive to put sustainability at the forefront of tourism growth and development has secured the city 9th place amongst 100 international destinations in this year’s Global Destination Sustainability Index. Through the collaborative efforts of Visit Belfast, Belfast City Council and a wide range of tourism industry partners, Belfast now ranks as the most sustainable visitor destination in the UK and on the island of Ireland.
www.nitravelnews.com
THE LOCAL TOURIST | 77 Galgorm Collection Announce Landmark £50m Investment
GALGORM Collection announced a landmark £50 million investment in the region’s hospitality and tourism sector following the acquisition of two of the region’s most iconic properties: Galgorm Castle Estate in Ballymena and Roe Park Resort in Limavady.
This combined spend, which includes
acquisition costs and a multimillion-pound transformation plan for both properties, represents one of the region’s largest investments in Northern Ireland’s hospitality sector and underlines Galgorm Collection’s position as the leading provider of luxury hospitality in the region. Galgorm Collection, which owns a suite
visitor
of leading properties including the iconic Galgorm, The Rabbit Hotel and Retreat, and The Old Inn, acquired the historic, internationally renowned Galgorm Castle Estate in Ballymena and the four-star Roe Park Resort & Spa, set in in a magnificent countryside estate in Limavady, for a combined £28 million. In addition to acquiring both properties, Galgorm Collection has
committed additional £22 million to enhance an the
properties and estates over the next five years, further enriching their local, national and international appeal. Building on Galgorm Collection’s vision
for exceptional luxury experiences, this investment promises to transform and confirm both properties as must-visit destinations. At Roe Park Resort, guests will experience an enhanced family-friendly atmosphere,
a new bespoke adult-only spa designed for ultimate relaxation, and
continued
improvements to its renowned golf offering. The developments will position Roe Park as a top destination for families, golf enthusiasts, and those seeking a luxurious escape. Meanwhile, golf enthusiasts
can look
forward to significant developments at Galgorm Castle Estate, as its already impressive golf course is elevated with the bold ambition of becoming the top parkland course in Ireland. Detailed plans will be unveiled in the coming months, solidifying the Estate’s reputation as a premier destination for world class golfing experiences.
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