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02/08/2019
Events Conference A Major Win For Belfast Business Tourism
Northern Ireland's business tourism market place is enjoying a major boost this week as over 100 of the UK's top event planners and suppliers have gathered in Belfast for their annual conference.
The 2019 Conference and Incentive Travel (C&IT) forum, held at the ICC Belfast, has only been held outside of London once previously in its 10-year history.
Delegates from the industry are to discuss the placing of business worth some £300 million through a dynamic programme of events on Thursday and Friday, comprising a series of keynote speeches, networking activities, content and educational sessions, 1-2-1 meetings, huddle debates and social events, including a gala dinner at Titanic Belfast.
Despite the busy itinerary, plenty of the region's outstanding tourism offerings are to be showcased, including Game of Thrones®, golf, food, drink and spa experiences. These are being promoted to delegates in an Experience Zone installed at ICC Belfast.
The event was secured by a partnership of Tourism NI, Visit Belfast, ICC Belfast, Titanic Belfast and Hastings Hotels in a major coup for the business tourism industry.
Tourism NI has organised a familiarisation trip for delegates to follow the closing session, showcasing tourism experiences, prospective MICE venues and the tourism opportunities in Northern Ireland for 2019 and beyond.
John McGrillen, CEO of Tourism NI said: "Business tourism is a key priority for the future growth of tourism in Northern Ireland due to the fact it can deliver higher-spending visitors and shoulder season activity, so the decision by C&IT to choose Belfast for this pivotal event is a real vote of confidence in the city. The delegates are being treated to a world-class welcome and excellent experiences and we are already receiving great feedback about Belfast as a conference destination.
"Last year tourism welcomed five million visitors, contributing £968 million to the local economy, and I am confident the business tourism sector will help us to achieve further growth as we continue to work closely with key partners and stakeholders to collectively promote Northern Ireland as a destination of choice for the meetings industry."
Calum di Lieto, Editor C&IT Magazine added: "Bringing our flagship event to Belfast has been incredibly exciting for the C&IT team and delegates alike. The event professionals in attendance not only get a chance to network and discuss hot topics in the industry but they also get to experience the destination.
"The ICC Belfast is also doing a brilliant job of showcasing how it can facilitate events of all sizes, and with its location on the waterfront it also allows delegates to see the beauty of the city.
"Every year our events get bigger and better and hosting 2019's in and around Belfast will certainly provide unforgettable experiences that will be difficult to follow next year."
Chief Executive of Visit Belfast, Gerry Lennon said: "Belfast is now able to compete at the highest level for conference business, bidding for more and bigger events thanks to investment in infrastructure, sales and marketing, conference venues, access and tourism product and experiences.
"This is a huge opportunity to showcase Belfast and Northern Ireland to some of the UK's largest and most influential event planners and agencies. During their time in the city, delegates will get to experience Belfast as an events destination, as well as getting out of the city to see the wealth of tourism experiences available across Northern Ireland, and I have no doubt they will be impressed with what they see."
(JG/CM)
The 2019 Conference and Incentive Travel (C&IT) forum, held at the ICC Belfast, has only been held outside of London once previously in its 10-year history.
Delegates from the industry are to discuss the placing of business worth some £300 million through a dynamic programme of events on Thursday and Friday, comprising a series of keynote speeches, networking activities, content and educational sessions, 1-2-1 meetings, huddle debates and social events, including a gala dinner at Titanic Belfast.
Despite the busy itinerary, plenty of the region's outstanding tourism offerings are to be showcased, including Game of Thrones®, golf, food, drink and spa experiences. These are being promoted to delegates in an Experience Zone installed at ICC Belfast.
The event was secured by a partnership of Tourism NI, Visit Belfast, ICC Belfast, Titanic Belfast and Hastings Hotels in a major coup for the business tourism industry.
Tourism NI has organised a familiarisation trip for delegates to follow the closing session, showcasing tourism experiences, prospective MICE venues and the tourism opportunities in Northern Ireland for 2019 and beyond.
John McGrillen, CEO of Tourism NI said: "Business tourism is a key priority for the future growth of tourism in Northern Ireland due to the fact it can deliver higher-spending visitors and shoulder season activity, so the decision by C&IT to choose Belfast for this pivotal event is a real vote of confidence in the city. The delegates are being treated to a world-class welcome and excellent experiences and we are already receiving great feedback about Belfast as a conference destination.
"Last year tourism welcomed five million visitors, contributing £968 million to the local economy, and I am confident the business tourism sector will help us to achieve further growth as we continue to work closely with key partners and stakeholders to collectively promote Northern Ireland as a destination of choice for the meetings industry."
Calum di Lieto, Editor C&IT Magazine added: "Bringing our flagship event to Belfast has been incredibly exciting for the C&IT team and delegates alike. The event professionals in attendance not only get a chance to network and discuss hot topics in the industry but they also get to experience the destination.
"The ICC Belfast is also doing a brilliant job of showcasing how it can facilitate events of all sizes, and with its location on the waterfront it also allows delegates to see the beauty of the city.
"Every year our events get bigger and better and hosting 2019's in and around Belfast will certainly provide unforgettable experiences that will be difficult to follow next year."
Chief Executive of Visit Belfast, Gerry Lennon said: "Belfast is now able to compete at the highest level for conference business, bidding for more and bigger events thanks to investment in infrastructure, sales and marketing, conference venues, access and tourism product and experiences.
"This is a huge opportunity to showcase Belfast and Northern Ireland to some of the UK's largest and most influential event planners and agencies. During their time in the city, delegates will get to experience Belfast as an events destination, as well as getting out of the city to see the wealth of tourism experiences available across Northern Ireland, and I have no doubt they will be impressed with what they see."
(JG/CM)
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Conference wins during the financial year of 2015/16 will generate a record-breaking £45 million worth of economic benefit over the next number of years, according to Visit Belfast.
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08 October 2019
Belfast Secures International Conference
Some 120 international buyers will meet in Belfast next Spring for a prestigious conference that's set to boost the local tourism economy. HelmsBriscoe will hold its European, Middle Eastern and African (EMEA) Regional Meeting in the city next March, a conference that last year secured a total of 1.27 billion dollars in meetings revenue worldwide.
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Some 120 international buyers will meet in Belfast next Spring for a prestigious conference that's set to boost the local tourism economy. HelmsBriscoe will hold its European, Middle Eastern and African (EMEA) Regional Meeting in the city next March, a conference that last year secured a total of 1.27 billion dollars in meetings revenue worldwide.
04 July 2002
Belfast to benefit from Irish event companies’ merger
Belfast is set to be one of the main beneficiaries following the merger of Dublin’s two biggest conference, destination and event management companies. The merger of Delaney Marketing Group and Ovation Group could have a significant impact on the lucrative business tourism sector in Northern Ireland, according to the companies’ directors.
Belfast to benefit from Irish event companies’ merger
Belfast is set to be one of the main beneficiaries following the merger of Dublin’s two biggest conference, destination and event management companies. The merger of Delaney Marketing Group and Ovation Group could have a significant impact on the lucrative business tourism sector in Northern Ireland, according to the companies’ directors.
03 April 2019
Networking Event To Develop Causeway Coast Tourism Experiences
A speed networking event is set to bring together all four Causeway Coastal Route (CCR) clusters to introduce their respective tourism products. Businesses will have one to one exchanges, each lasting five minutes, in a bid to foster collaborative initiatives and help entrepreneurs identify more opportunities for tourism experiences.
Networking Event To Develop Causeway Coast Tourism Experiences
A speed networking event is set to bring together all four Causeway Coastal Route (CCR) clusters to introduce their respective tourism products. Businesses will have one to one exchanges, each lasting five minutes, in a bid to foster collaborative initiatives and help entrepreneurs identify more opportunities for tourism experiences.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
