Northern Ireland

Visitors to Northern Ireland set to receive a 'giant welcome' during The Open

Rallying Call for a Northern Ireland 'giant welcome’ ahead of The 148th Open. Pictured is Lesley-Ann O’Donnell from Tourism NI, Jonathan Wade, of the Grand Central Hotel and David Gillmore, executive Chef at James Street & Co
Rallying Call for a Northern Ireland 'giant welcome’ ahead of The 148th Open. Pictured is Lesley-Ann O’Donnell from Tourism NI, Jonathan Wade, of the Grand Central Hotel and David Gillmore, executive Chef at James Street & Co Rallying Call for a Northern Ireland 'giant welcome’ ahead of The 148th Open. Pictured is Lesley-Ann O’Donnell from Tourism NI, Jonathan Wade, of the Grand Central Hotel and David Gillmore, executive Chef at James Street & Co
By Suzanne McGonagle

WITH just days to go before The Open begins, visitors to Northern Ireland are set to receive a 'giant welcome'

Tourism NI are asking the public to get behind its campaign which aims to encourage people to share their "best and most creative welcomes" to the north.

To get behind the 'giant welcome', people are invited to simply post a photograph or video on social media to demonstrate how they are supporting the major golf event, using the hashtags, #GiantWelcome and #TheOpen.

From the local tourism and hospitality industry to schools, sports clubs and families, everyone is invited to show their pride and excitement as the greatest golfers in the world prepare to battle it out next week for the prestigious Claret Jug over the Dunluce Links.

Examples of those illustrating Northern Ireland’s 'giant welcome' include local designer, Sara O'Neill, who has released a bespoke silk scarf to be sold exclusively at Royal Portrush Golf Club shop, which celebrates the unique wildlife and environmental conservation of the course.

The Hastings Hotel Group are also providing 'Rory Quackilroy' themed rubber ducks for visitors staying at their hotels during The Open.

Armagh Planetarium is profiling the fact that The Open coincides with the anniversary of the first man on the moon and how US astronaut, Alan Shepard, played golf on the moon.

Lesley-Ann O’Donnell from Tourism NI said: "With the eyes of the world truly on Northern Ireland this July, the 'giant welcome' is about promoting the best of what we have to offer as a globally recognised destination.

"We already have some great examples of hotels, shops, restaurants, golf clubs and visitor attractions pulling out all the stops to give visitors a special NI welcome for golf fans and visitors alike.

"The #GiantWelcome provides a great opportunity to share our best and most creative welcomes to the world."

There are prizes up for grabs for the most creative posts, while industry and tourism trade efforts will also be recognised with a prestigious trophy awarded to those displaying their most imaginative #GiantWelcome on social media.

For more information, please visit discovernorthernireland.com/agiantwelcome