Editorial: ​​Northern Ireland has an abundance of amazing scenery, attractions and culture to offer tourists

Northern Ireland’s majestic landscapes have long drawn tourists to our shores, but a new project aims to bring in even more by enticing visitors in through the sounds at many of our famous landmarks. ​

Tourism NI has gathered soothing sounds from attractions such as the Giant’s Causeway, Fermanagh’s Marble Arch caves and the Glenariff Forest Park in the Glens of Antrim.

The digital project hopes to tap in to the ASMR trend – sounds which promote tingling sensations and relaxation. In turn, tourism chiefs hope that people will be inspired to visit the province.

And there is a lot to see. Whether it is one of the many beautiful seaside resorts along the Causeway coastal route, the lush landscape of the orchard county, the majestic Mourne mountains or the or the tranquil Fermanagh lakelands.

Northern Ireland’s size is an advantage for tourists. Many attractions are little more than an hour from Belfast. Those visiting the capital think nothing of a day trip to any other part of the province.

Ulster offers a lot more than just its natural beauty. Our pitch to visitors now includes world class golf courses and exciting night life.

Belfast is a city transformed in recent decades, and is increasingly a city break destination. Cruise ships play an increasingly important part in the capital’s economy, bringing tourists from all over the world right into the heart of the city.

More could still be done to promote the rich – and unique – cultural heritage of Northern Ireland. Many Ulster Scots influences played a foundational role not only in the political, but in the cultural landscape of the United States. It influenced the bluegrass and country music scenes enjoying a renaissance in America today, sounds which could draw in yet more visitors.