Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is offering free places on a two-day Digital Marketing and Social Media Workshop Programme for tourism and hospitality businesses in the borough. The workshops aim to help firms strengthen their online presence and turn digital interest into bookings, with places limited to 20 businesses.

Delivered by Chartered Marketers Christine Watson and Denise Hamill, the programme runs on Monday 23 November and Monday 7 December 2026, from 10am to 4pm, in The Chamber at Banbridge Civic Building. Each business can send one participant, who must attend both workshops, and booking closes on Friday 13 November.

Topics include website performance, search engine optimisation, Google Business Profile, email marketing, social media strategy, content creation, photography and video, digital advertising, online reviews and the use of AI tools in marketing. The workshops focus on hands-on learning so participants can apply techniques directly to their own business.

The council covers Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon in Northern Ireland and agreed a 2.79% district rate increase for 2026/27, below inflation of 3.75% and one of the lowest rises among Northern Ireland’s 11 councils.

The structural driver is the importance of online presence for reaching new audiences and converting interest into bookings in an increasingly digital market.

Lord Mayor Councillor Mary O’Dowd said the tourism and hospitality sector plays a vital role in “showcasing everything that makes our borough a great place to visit,” and that the programme will give participants “practical skills and expert guidance.”

The training is free of charge, though a cancellation and non-attendance fee applies, and places are allocated first come, first served to eligible businesses based within the council area. The programme forms part of the council’s ongoing support for the growth and development of the local tourism industry.

For the sector, the programme confirms that local councils are using short, free, cohort-limited workshops to build digital marketing skills among small tourism and hospitality operators.

Source: armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk / irishnews.com