Foster puts Belfast on map as top conference destination

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has promoted Belfast as a superb destination for meetings and conferences, during a business tourism event, in New York.

The event, co-hosted by Tourism Ireland and Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau, was attended by leading American business tourism contacts and US travel media.

Speaking in New York, Arlene Foster said: “Belfast is fast gaining a reputation as a city able to host all kinds of major events from conferences to international music and sporting events. The conference and meetings market is a crucial element to our tourism performance and today’s event is an important opportunity to ensure Belfast is well and truly on the international conference map.

“Belfast boasts award-winning conference centres, quality hotel accommodation and a host of unique venues and attractions, set in a compact city centre, which is continually changing and developing.

“An excellent infrastructure, coupled with a distinctive cultural experience, means that Belfast and Northern Ireland can compete with the best destinations in the world in the lucrative conference and business tourism market.”

Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, comment: “Business tourism is an important, high-yield sector. Tourism Ireland is working hard, in both the US and other key overseas markets, to promote Belfast as a premier conference and business tourism destination, with particular focus on the Association Conference sector.

“Our activity includes promoting ease of access to Northern Ireland and the professionalism on the ground. We are highlighting the good value rates available for meetings and conferences and emphasising the world-class conference and meetings facilities available.

Tourism Ireland is also showcasing the great experiences that business tourism delegates can enjoy in Northern Ireland on the sidelines of their conference or meeting, interacting with locals and savouring aspects of our unique culture and heritage.”

Gerry Lennon, Chief Executive of Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau, said: “Millions of pounds have been invested in the re-development of our city and as a result, Belfast is a new, exciting and dynamic business and leisure destination which balances modernity and innovation with a rich heritage and thriving cultural scene.

“Victorian and Edwardian buildings stand next to state-of-the-art conference centres and arenas, luxurious hotels, atmospheric pubs, fine dining and unique shopping opportunities; it is a city which is home to innovative art galleries, world-class entertainment, museums and other cultural and historic attractions.

“Belfast has been transformed beyond recognition in the past decade and has evolved into a confident and cosmopolitan city of European distinction eager to welcome your next conference, meeting or event. Inspirational purpose-built meeting venues, alongside a host of unique locations for conferences and events, make Belfast an exciting and novel business destination.”

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