02/06/2017

Belfast Shortlisted At World Travel Awards

Belfast has been nominated for a major tourism accolade at the World Travel Awards.

The city is in the running to be named Europe's Leading City Break Destination. The Awards will take place in St Petersburg, Russia on Saturday, 30 September.

Speaking after the launch of the voting campaign at City Hall today, 02 June, New Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Nuala McAllister, said: "This is a really exciting opportunity for Belfast - to even be nominated for such a prestigious award is a fantastic boost for the city. I hope everyone will get on board and support the campaign by casting their vote for Belfast.

"As a global city, tourism is of growing importance to Belfast's growth, and our tourism offering is now on a par with other major European cities.

"Only recently we opened the new permanent exhibition at City Hall which has already attracted almost 17,000 people in its first few weeks of opening, and City Hall itself is a must-see for any visitor to Belfast.

"We have a lot to be proud of, and winning this award would be the icing on the cake after a record-breaking year for tourism in Belfast."

Visit Belfast Chief Executive, Gerry Lennon, added: "Belfast is a city transformed in the eyes of the world, and we now have a tourism product to be proud of. This nomination just goes to show the progress that the city has made in the last two decades, as we are now seen as a popular European city break destination, thanks to over £1 billion investment from organisations like Belfast City Council, Tourism Northern Ireland, and the public sector."

The closing date for voting is 06 August. To vote, visit here.

(LM)

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