NI Overseas Animation Programme

Funding support to help tourism businesses explore and connect with overseas markets

Tourism Ireland and Tourism NI have designed this initiative to give small tourism businesses the opportunity to explore overseas markets, potentially for the first time, without the requirement for pre-arranged appointments. 

Programme support is available for

• food and drink experiences
• cookery demonstrations
• entertainment
• music
• demonstrations from visitor attractions/experiences
• storytellers from visitor attractions/experiences
• craft demonstrations

Please note that these event animation participants must be tourism businesses with a sellable product e.g. funds must not be used to bring a musician to an event, unless they are part of a music trail, Irish night etc.

Programme details

Tourism Ireland and Tourism NI will recruit the most appropriate event animation partners based on factors such as

• region (event animation partners should, where possible, be chosen from regions which are twinned with markets)
• suitability of event animation product/service for the market event
• language capabilities
• the ability to enhance an event/show through engagement with overseas buyers

Funding can be used to cover

• international travel costs including flights/ ferries (basic economy fare only)
• domestic/internal flights that are required for attendance at Tourism Ireland led events in-market e.g. Sales Missions, Workshops, etc.
• accommodation incurred for the purpose of attending the show/event

Additional luggage requirements for supplies/instruments may be covered subject to discussion and approval by Tourism Ireland.

Funding is available to one industry partner per business and is subject to budget availability. The market rep will organise travel and accommodation for the event animation partner.

For additional information and queries please contact Sinead Murray smurray@tourismireland.com.

First published 16 June 2026