New Tourism Ireland campaign harnesses prospective visitors to 'fill their hearts' - and make sure they visit soon

Amidst the COVID-19 crisis when people aren’t travelling Tourism Ireland has come up with a creative way to entertain prospective visitors everywhere and to help ensure that Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland stay ‘front-of-mind’ with them for future holidays.

The initiative, using the hashtag #FillYourHeartWithIreland, involves the sharing of inspirational content that speaks to the world at this difficult time and connects people with the island of Ireland.

It covers a range of themes to bring the best of what we have to offer onto people’s screens and make them smile – from enjoying a trad music session to taking a virtual tour of our towns and villages, listening to the words of our Nobel Laureate poets and playwrights or even enjoying a fun TikTok video.

Over the coming weeks, Tourism Ireland will share this content with its millions of fans and followers on its social channels – including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter.

The content will also be shared with Tourism Ireland’s database of influential travel and lifestyle journalists, who are all looking for great ‘armchair travel’ ideas right now.

Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “Our message to people everywhere is that, as soon as you can travel again, our spectacular scenery, rich heritage and warm welcome will be waiting – until then, you can dream of, and plan, your future holiday.

"We want to bring #FillYourHeartWithIreland onto people’s screens and make them smile.

"Our aim is to keep the beauty of Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland to the fore and to showcase our authentic home-grown talent. While we may not be able to travel just now, we hope to inspire people for their future visit.”

Tourism Ireland is sharing inspirational content from the creative community, as well as from partners like Good Food Ireland, Tourism NI and Fáilte Ireland.

Some examples of content which really appeals to an international audience includes chef Paul Cunningham cooking live from the award-winning Brunel's restaurant in Newcastle; a livestream from the City of Derry Jazz Festival; and the Other Voices livestream of Lisa Hannigan, live from the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin.

Tourism Ireland is also calling on tourism industry partners around the island of Ireland to get involved.

For people who’re creating a compelling piece of short content, or have already created content, which will appeal to a global audience and connect them with the island of Ireland, please email: [email protected]

There are nine different categories:

Culinary

The Great Outdoors

Humour and Story-telling

Literature, Film and Theatre

Music and Dance

Photography and Art

Virtual Tours

Wellness

Genealogy

#FillYourHeartWithIreland

#WhenWeTravelAgain

#DreamNowTravelLater

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