22 GAZETTE 16 February 2012
GazetteTTRAVEL Travel EXTRA HE year 2012 is Northern Ireland’s time to shine and emerge as an international mustsee tourism destination, according to Howard Hastings, chairman of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB). Speaking in Dublin last week, Mr Hastings urged people throughout Ireland to head north and play their part in making this a year to remember for Northern Ireland. “This really is our time and our place to change global perceptions of Northern Ireland and put ourselves firmly on the global tourism map,” said Hastings. NITB’s new £2 million marketing campaign, spearheaded by a new TV ad highlighting the exciting year ahead, was launched across Ireland in recent weeks, and is proving a big success, according to the board’s market manager (ROI), Fiona Cunningham. “The reaction to our all-Ireland marketing campaign in the first two weeks has been phenomenal,” Fiona said. “The new advert is proving to be a huge success, not only on TV but also on YouTube, where it has picked up more than 34,000 views already. “The opening of the world’s biggest Titanic exhibition in Belfast, and the associated Titanic Belfast Festival, kick-start a remarkable programme of historic events,” she said. A new website, www. ni2012.com, contains everything visitors need to know about attractions and events in Northern Ireland this year. For now, we have compiled a breakdown of some must-visit attractions happening in 2012.
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Scott Wylie-Dob finds a short cut at the launch of GraboneEscapes.ie
GrabOne Escapes sends Dubliners off packing BUDGET-SAVVY travellers in Dublin will be grabbing bargains galore on the new GrabOne Escapes website, www.GrabOneEscapes.ie, which launched last week. Dubliners can save over 50% off everything from city breaks to scenic retreats, family attractions, romantic getaways, spa breaks, cultural activities and outdoor adventures. GrabOne Escapes will feature a range of fantastic daily offers for staycations and short breaks in Ireland, along with a selection of international escapes. The launch comes on the back of the hugely successful deal website, GrabOne.ie, which is already a winner with shoppers from Grafton Street to Dundrum, Temple Bar to Swords (and all across Ireland) who have saved over €6 million in less than a year. Commenting on their new travel venture, Ruairi Doyle, general manager of GrabOne said: “GrabOne Escapes is a dedicated travel website, working with the best tourism and travel operators to offer outstanding value on breaks throughout the country and further afield. GrabOne Escapes makes taking a break in Ireland or abroad even more affordable. And it is also a fun way to discover new places you may never have even thought about visiting.” The launch is well-timed, with a recent survey by the National Consumer Agency indicating 57% of Irish consumers have already signed up to an online discount site, with an estimated 32% of the adult population having made a purchase and travel is, by far, one of the services in most demand. Clontarf Castle in Dublin, Pillo Hotel in Galway and Irish Landmark Trust with properties across Ireland, are just some of the tourism trade who have already signed up for the initiative. How does it work? Simply sign up to www. GrabOneEscapes.ie to view the great deal that’s on offer. If it takes your fancy, click buy and you’re ready for your next trip - all for a fantastic price. GrabOne Escapes is built on the back of their hugely successful deal website GrabOne. ie which is currently available in Dublin, Cork, Belfast, Galway, Kerry, Limerick and the South East, and has saved Irish consumers over €6 million in less than a year.
Titanic Belfast Festival 2012: Belfast, April-May
A FUSION of international-scale events worthy of the great ship her-
self is planned to mark the centenary of Titanic’s fateful maiden voyage. From the opening of the multi-million pound Titanic Belfast visitor attraction, through to commemoration services on the 100th anniversary of the ship’s sinking, there will be something for everyone. A range of plays, tours, talks, films and major musical events will all position Belfast as the “home” of Titanic. Peace One Day concert: Derry-Londonderry, June 21
THE Peace One Day Concert on midsummer’s day will attract massive media attention and the biggest names in music. It’s one of the kick-off events for the UK-wide London 2012 Festival, the finale of the four-year Cultural Olympiad which complements the sports at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. T his concer t will showcase the iconic new public space at the historic Ebrington site in Derry-Londonderry, which is linked to the city centre via the new Peace Bridge. Massive Attack have already been confirmed to play at the gig, and other acts will be confirmed shortly.
There has never been a better year to discover Northern Ireland
2012 Irish Open: Portrush, June 28 – July 1
THE 2012 Irish Open will be hosted by Royal Portrush Golf Club, bringing the world-class event to the Northern Ireland venue for the first time since 1947. Home-grown golfers Darren Clarke, G r a e m e M c D owe l l and Rory McIlroy have enjoyed recent major successes and have firmly established Northern Ireland as the golfing capital of the world. Land of Giants: Belfast, June 30
LAND of Giants will celebrate iconic Northern Ireland giants on an epic scale, with a spectacular
show featuring music, acrobatics, pyrotechnics, special effects and a cast and crew of over 500 people, all in front of an audience of 20,000 on Belfast’s newest events space, the Titanic Slipways. The event takes inspiration from some of the giants found in our local history, literature,
society and landscape – Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver, the legendary Finn McCool, Harland and Wolff’s iconic Samson and Goliath, the ships, Olympic and Titanic, industrial achievements and, of course, the Giant’s Causeway. Funded by Legacy Trust UK, Land of Giants will be a highlight of the
London 2012 Festival and will play a key role in the lead up to the 2012 Olympic Games. Peace Camp, by Deborah Warner: July 2012
C R E AT E D b y t h e renowned opera and theatre director, Deborah Warner, in collaboration with actor Fiona Shaw and creative producer