Are you a local tourism business, interested in piloting new experiences?
The Ards and North Down Borough Council (ANDBC) Experience Development Programme (EDP) was first delivered in 2020, to support local businesses to create and deliver visitor experiences aligned to the Tourism Northern Ireland (TNI) Embrace a Giant Spirit Experience programme (EAGS).
With an aim to grow the capacity of local tourism businesses by enabling the creation of tourism experiences, which in turn increases the availability of sustainable visitor experiences in ANDBC.
On Tuesday 22 October, Ards and North Down Borough Council hosted an Experience Development Industry Event and Networking Session at Clandeboye Lodge Hotel, Bangor.
The event explored the theme of innovation and attendees had the opportunity to meet other businesses in a networking session, as well as learn how to become part of the Ards and North Down Experience programme for 2025/26 which provides the opportunities to pilot new experiences.
Watch the Experience Day Industry Event...
Hear from previous participants...
Expressions of Interest
Expressions of Interest are sought annually for this programme, they are now open to take part in the Experience Development programme from 1 April 2025 until 31 March 2026.
Find out more and the criteria to apply here | Expressions of interest close on 13 November 2024.
For further information outside of these dates, please contact our Tourism Development team by email at tourismdevelopment@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Want to hear more?
Find out more about the Ards and North Down Experience Development Programme from previous participants and their involvement in these short videos below:
Nina Cristinacce, Lightfoot Kitchen and Deli, Bangor
Lightfoot was born from a desire to make our world a better place for future generations, by making changes now in the way we shop, source produce, communicate with each other, treat each other, connect with our community and reduce our waste.
Lightfoot are not only a zero-waste market stocking produce on a refill system or in glass jars – everything from store cupboard essentials to cleaning products, fresh seasonal vegetables to dog shampoo, but also an event catering company running monthly supper clubs and events using local, seasonal produce - collaborating with and supporting other local businesses within our area.
Find out more - Lightfoot Kitchen and Deli
Lorraine Small, Helen’s Bay Walled Garden
The Walled Garden, Helen’s Bay, was built in 1886 by Belfast cotton and muslin manufacturer, Thomas Workman, to supply fresh fruit and vegetables for his household in nearby, Lanyon designed, Craigdarragh House.
Lorraine bought this ‘secret’ kitchen garden at the end of 2006, when it was completely overgrown by invasive weeds and saplings and was in a terrible state of disrepair, although oozing with potential.
Since then, there has been many developments, an although not widely open to the public Lorraine hosts, creative craft and health & wellbeing experiences, as well as special private events.
All profits are reinvested into our restoration project so everyone is involved in making a difference!
Find out more - Helen's Bay Walled Garden.
Ruth McEwan-Lyon, NI Silver, near Holywood
Local silversmith Ruth, runs NI Silver. She is renowned for her Northern Ireland landmarks jewellery pieces and bespoke services.
Ruth at NI Silver is ready to welcome you for a fully immersive experience, suitable for all, during which you'll learn how to make your own jewellery.
Find out more - NI Silver
Rory Martin, Strangford Lough Activity Centre (SLAC)
Strangford Lough Activity Centre is an adventure centre based on the shores of Strangford Lough, County Down.
Helping families, individuals and groups explore places off the beaten track.
Offering a variety of land and water based - outdoor activities throughout Northern Ireland including, archery, boat tours, bushcraft, canoeing, e-foiling, e-bike tours, hill walking, kayaking, laser tag, orienteering, raft building, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), and team building games.
Find out more - Strangford Lough Activity Centre
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