Hollywood star Liam Neeson has taken a new role as a travel spokesman and is helping to promoting his native Northern Ireland as a tourist destination.
The ‘Taken’ star has added his voice to the Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s latest advertising campaign, which also features appearances by Pulp Fiction’s Bronagh Gallagher and Hothouse Flowers singer Liam O Maonlai; with the aim of increasing Ireland vacations.
The actor, who was born in Ballymena, County Antrim, has agreed to be the voice of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s latest advertising campaign. The 61-year-old actor Neeson, is said to be delighted to be asked to “promote the treasures of my homeland”.
Neeson a major Hollywood blockbusting actor is known for his famous roles in Schindler’s List, Taken and Batman Begins along with a list of many, said about his newest role:
“I’ve always maintained that Northern Ireland is the world’s best kept secret, both in the character of its people and its scenery.”
It is not the first time he has spoken of his pride in hailing from Northern Ireland. Last year, he said he was honoured to receive the freedom of Ballymena at a ceremony in the town.
Alan Clarke, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB), said: “Securing Liam Neeson to do the voice-over for our latest TV campaign is a huge coup and a significant vote of confidence in our tourism industry. This marks the first step of a brand new direction for NITB, which will focus on the friendliness of our people and their ability to make a place memorable.”
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