NI council using ‘influencers’ Pete Snodden and Paolo Ross to promote The Gobbins - but councillor hits out at ‘useless’ spending of money on US blogs

The committee heard that the campaign focused on the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland markets.

The council has also engaged social media influencers Pete Snodden and Paolo Ross for a promotion of The Gobbins.

The radio presenters were chosen for their “strong following” on Instagram.

A report to the committee stated: “By working with these two influencers, we are able to highlight that The Gobbins is safe to visit, is a great outdoor experience and is also appealing to families.

“Both Pete and Paolo work for Cool FM and often talk about their experiences on the show.”

Both have visited The Gobbins in Islandmagee during the past few weeks.

Earlier this year, a council officer said that travel blogs were done “very successfully” last year with an “influencer who has a big following in the States”.

American blogger Tanya Foster was invited by the council to the borough. Galgorm Resort and Spa paid for her accommodation.  No payment was made for her review.

Carrick Castle Ulster Unionist Councillor Robin Stewart asked at that meeting if the council does not have people “in-house to do that type of thing”.

Cllr Stewart, who is a shoe retailer, stated that “spending money on blogs is totally useless”.