Summer rail travel initiative for overseas senior tourists

Transport Minister Conor Murphy today launched the Golden Trekker summer free rail travel initiative for international senior tourists, which will dovetail with a recent tourism scheme launched in the South.

This initiative will allow free rail travel throughout the North to older visitors from outside the island of Ireland during the summer months. From 1 July until 30 September 2010, tourists aged 66 and over visiting the North will be able to apply for a ticket giving them a maximum of 14 days unlimited free rail travel.

The Minister said: “The Golden Trekker initiative is designed to dovetail with a similar initiative launched in the South earlier this year and we hope that it will encourage overseas tourists to come and see what the North has to offer and explore the local sights.

“Given the impact of the recent volcanic ash cloud, I hope this short term initiative will help to boost both the local and all island economy by making the North an equally attractive destination for tourists during the summer months.”

Catherine Mason, Translink Group Chief Executive said: “We are very pleased to play our part in this new initiative to help boost tourism. The rail network offers passengers a unique perspective of some of the north’s most spectacular scenery by travelling through areas of outstanding natural beauty such as the line between Coleraine and Derry. We have worked together with our colleagues in the Department for Regional Development and Tourism Ireland to make the process as simple as possible for senior visitors to apply for their Golden Trekker Smartcard. We hope that many will take up this opportunity and explore more of what the north can offer.

Niall Gibbons, Tourism Ireland Chief Executive, said: "The introduction of free rail travel around Northern Ireland for our overseas visitors who are aged 66 and over is really great news. This new scheme will complement our ‘Silver Surfer Summer Savings’ initiative – a value promotion launched recently in GB and other markets by Tourism Ireland targeting older visitors – and really strengthens our offering to this audience.

“This free rail scheme provides a great opportunity for Tourism Ireland to persuade people aged 66 and over around the world that this is the year to come and visit Northern Ireland for a holiday or short break. In GB alone, there are ten million people who are aged 66 or over, of whom two million fall into our target market. Tourism Ireland will be working flat out to stimulate business from this important sector.”

To obtain a Golden Trekker card, eligible overseas passengers should visit www.discoverireland.com/nitravel. Once they have provided the necessary personal details they can pick up a Golden Trekker card at one of the designated train stations in the North.

Notes to editors:

1. The Golden Trekker ticket is valid on rail journeys only.
2. Eligible passengers must be aged 66 or over, and permanently resident outside the island of Ireland.
3. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Regional Development Press Office on 02890 540817. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 079699 715440 and your call will be returned.