In 2026, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council held its 10th Annual Tourism Conference at the Navan Centre & Fort in Northern Ireland.
Almost 100 delegates from the tourism and hospitality sectors attended the event themed ‘Our People, Places and Stories’.
Speakers included Caitríona O’Connor representing Royal Sites of Ireland, Adrienne Moffett from Gilford Castle Estate, and Chris Mallon of the Armagh Road Bowling Experience. BBC NI broadcaster Jo Scott acted as compere. The conference was officially opened by Councillor Mary O’Dowd, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon.
The conference focused on sustainable tourism growth, destination development,
and heritage-led visitor experiences. Tourism Ireland provided updates on trade opportunities and emerging trends in the sector. The event served as a platform for networking and best practice sharing among nearly 100 tourism and hospitality stakeholders.
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council invests in tourism development to strengthen the borough as a visitor destination. Councillor Mary O’Dowd emphasized that tourism plays a vital role in the local economy and community vibrancy, and highlighted the conference as an important opportunity for sector collaboration.
“Tourism plays a vital role in our local economy and contributes greatly to the vibrancy of our
city, towns, villages and rural communities. This conference is an important opportunity for the sector to come together, share ideas and learn from one another. As we celebrate the 10th year of this event, it is fitting that we reflect on the people, places and stories that make our borough such a special destination for visitors from near and far,” said Councillor Mary O’Dowd.
