A local Northern Ireland council has announced a £100,000 new attraction in a bid to revive the country’s tourism amid COVID 19.
Antrim and Newtonabbey Borough Council is developing a virtual reality (VR) experience which will feature at the Gateway Centre. The attraction will journey guests through Northern Ireland’s idyllic landscape as they embrace the Giant Spirit through a multi of senses.
The attraction, which is yet to be named, will be completed with state-of-the art motion chairs and headsets, and will have the space for 10 people to enjoy the experience at a time.
The new addition is part of an initiative project promoted by Tourism NI to boost Northern Ireland’s economy which has suffered immensely through the pandemic.
Tourism NI believes developing captivating visitor experiences is key for reviving finances, which they hope will kickstart the domestic market again. The new attraction will be less than 30 minutes from Belfast and just over an hour from Londonderry, connecting 500,000 people to the latest tourist addition.
The local council has expressed their welcome for the new attraction and have pledged £37,500 to fund the development. The remaining £75,000 will be submitted to Tourism NI.
Commenting on the new VR attraction Mark Cosgrove Councillor for Glengormley said: “We know that this is one of the areas that has taken such a substantial hit in the current situation. It is good we can support the recovery of the sector in the borough.”
The Gateway VR experience isn’t the only new attraction coming to Northern Ireland. Plans have been approved to develop a £23 million Game of Thrones tour in Banbridge.
