Trade Support

Here you'll find all of your key support contacts within Ards and North Downs tourism team, Economic Development, Tourism NI and beyond - all in one place.

From the Visit Ards and North Down website, Facebook and Instagram channels, to Discover Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland websites, we can provide opportunities to help profile your tourism business.

Discover a variety of ways in which you can gain business support or further skills and training in the tourism and hospitality industry, from Ards and North Down Borough Council, Tourism NI and more!

Stay in the know with the latest guidance for the tourism and hospitality industry with links to Tourism NI and other government body resources.

Stay up to date with the latest advice and information on ways in which your business can play a part in providing a green and sustainable tourism product for Northern Ireland.

There is a wealth of choice when it comes to marketing opportunities for your tourism business. We can point you in the right direction for information on developing an experiential tourism product, inclusion within relevant publications, and how to take advantage of other National tourism bodies promotions and campaigns. We also provide details on upcoming industry shows and exhibitions.

If you are an event organiser, find out how to avail of promotional support, funding and guidance here. Likewise if you are a business who regular attends local events you can also discover some great opportunities to get involved.

Here you'll find information and advice on potential funding opportunities which may be available to your business, across a variety of sectors.

Our Visitor Information Centres are here to help so you can share your business leaflets, obtain literature or send tourists to them for expert advice, help and guidance during their travels or to even purchase local arts and crafts.

If you are wondering whether you would be eligible for a brown sign or are interested in submitting an application check out all the ins and outs here

Information on trade assistance in areas such as new accommodation registration, planning requirements, industry statistics and more - you'll find it here.

Are you open for business ... for everyone? Businesses have a moral obligation but also a legal duty to anticipate – and give due consideration to - the needs of all people. Check out guidance from various tourism bodies, free publicity opportunities and local Council initiatives.

Find information on where you can engage in various networking groups within the local tourism industry and business community. Keep informed of the latest trends, and develop new contacts and partnership opportunities.

Information on our latest industry events in Ards and North Down

You can submit your local tourism story to Visit Ards and North Down for consideration on our promotional platforms such as web news, e-zines and social media by completing and submitting the form.

Read more about Ards and North Down, award wins, refurbishments, tourism events and new or enhanced product offerings.

Let us tailor your visit to Ards and North Down - located on the east of Northern Ireland, covering the Ards Peninsula, most of Strangford Lough (the UK’s largest sea lough and a designated Marine Nature Reserve) and the southern shore of Belfast Lough.