Translink is encouraging people to escape and explore this summer as the passenger transport company launches a range of great value bus and rail tickets for top holiday and tourist destinations across Northern Ireland throughout July and August.

Louise Scott, Translink Brand Manager commented, “2013 is another memorable year for Northern Ireland so whatever the weather, we are encouraging passengers to embrace the holiday spirit and enjoy a ‘daycation’ at one of Northern Ireland’s fantastic destinations. Daycations are the new favourite family holiday as they are low cost, convenient and fun and what better way to travel around Northern Ireland than by bus and train which provides a great value travel option for local summer getaways.

“We have a wide range of summer offers designed to ensure that as many people as possible can travel to and experience all that Northern Ireland has to offer, so whether it’s day-trippers; culture-vultures; families; shoppers; ramblers; thrill seekers or simply a shopping trip further afield I want to encourage everyone to get up and go this summer with Translink. We are dedicated to making a positive contribution to the overall Northern Ireland visitor experience and we are delighted to work closely with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to deliver quality transport solutions.”

Full details of Translink’s summer offers are listed below:-          Bus Rambler Ticket – unlimited ‘hop on hop off’ Ulsterbus, Goldline and Metro day travel after 9.15am. Adult - £9 -          NI Railways 1/3 off day return tickets after 9.30am-          Friends and Family ticket - provides unlimited family travel by bus and rail for two adults and up to four children - £20-     iLink Adult day ticket £15.50 – Smartcard for unlimited bus and rail travel for one day-          Metro Family Day Ticket – two adults and up to four children travel anywhere, anytime on the Metro network- £9-          Belfast Visitor Pass - smartcard providing unlimited bus and rail travel for 1, 2 or 3 consecutive days within the Belfast Visitor Pass Zone.  The card entitles users to avail of a range of offers and discounts-          Goldline - 1/3 off day return tickets after 9.30am on selected routes – 215, 218, 219, 238, 238a, 250, 251 & 256

Ruth Burns, Destination Marketing & PR Manager, Northern Ireland Tourist Board said, “We are delighted to support Translink’s summer campaign which is helping people to get out and about this summer. Access to public transport is a key driver for tourism in Northern Ireland, an area that we are dedicated to supporting as we seek to deliver the best experience for visitors from both home and abroad. Translink’s range of bus and rail offers will help provide a cost-effective and convenient means of public transport and hopefully inspire people to discover the many unique locations and great attractions Northern Ireland has to offer during the summer months.” 

Translink has also teamed up with a number of visitor attractions throughout Northern Ireland to provide special offers and discounts for bus and rail passengers.  Visitors to all listed National Trust sites will receive two for one entry, as will guests to the Ulster American Folk Park, the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum and Armagh Planetarium.  Free guided tours of Belleek Pottery are on offer and Translink passengers can also avail of 10% discount on Titanic Walking Tours, 10% discount on purchases from Belfast Welcome Centre and receive 20% off all tickets for Top Tours Derry upon presentation of a Translink travel ticket.

Full summer 2013 fares and special offers can be found online at www.translink.co.uk

ENDSFor further details please contact Lyn Sheridan or Katrina Frazer at Aiken PR on028 9066 3000Notes to Editors:Additional promotional offersPresent your Translink travel ticket at the attraction to claim the following: (terms & conditions apply)• 2 for 1 entry on all listed National Trust sites• 2 for 1 entry at Armagh Planetarium• One free admission for a guided tour at Belleek Pottery• One free admission (when a second admission of equal value is purchased) at Ulster American Folk Park (Omagh)• One free admission (when a second admission of equal value is purchased) at Ulster Folk & Transport Museum (Cultra)• 20% off all tickets for Top Tours Derry• 15% off Laser Drome, Turbo Tours & Finn McCool’s Playground (Portrush)• 10% off purchases from Belfast Welcome Centre• 10% discount on Titanic Walking Tours• Adults go free on Pickie Puffer when accompanying a child at Pickie Fun park (Bangor)• Giant’s Causeway Visitor Experience – see discount details belowStandardAdmission Ticket Green Travel Admission Ticket Green Travel DiscountAdult: £8.50 Adult : £7.00     £1.50Child: £4.25 Child: £3.25     £1.00Family: £21 Family: £18.00     £3.00