Menu
28/10/2019
Business Tourism Boost As Belfast Hosts VisitBritain Conference
Hundreds of international travel industry stakeholders are set for Belfast next year as VisitBritain hosts its flagship annual travel trade event in the city.
'Explore Great Britain (GB) and Northern Ireland' will bring buyers from the UK's largest inbound visitor markets to the ICC, including from the US, Brazil, Australian Germany, China.
The event is scheduled from 18-20 May 2020, boosting Northern Ireland's portfolio as a reputable event destination. Previous cities to host the event held annually since 2014 include Harrogate, Brighton, Liverpool and Ascot.
International buyers and journalists will meet and do business with travel industry suppliers from across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
VisitBritain Chief Executive Sally Balcombe said the city has a lot to offer.
"We are delighted to be bringing our flagship travel trade event to Belfast in 2020. From its world-class museums, iconic maritime history and stunning parklands to its thriving arts, music and culinary scene, Belfast is a fantastic destination to highlight the breadth and quality of our tourism offer to international buyers.
"Tourism is one of the UK's most valuable export industries and also one of the most globally competitive, which is why ExploreGB and Northern Ireland is such a valuable business tool. It gives travel suppliers and destinations the chance to present their products to top global buyers, forge international business connections and ultimately inspire more visitors to book a trip to the UK, boosting local economies."
Tourism NI Chief Executive John McGrillen welcomed the announcement as a "huge opportunity for Northern Ireland".
"We are very proud that Belfast was selected from a competitive list of cities throughout the UK," he commented.
"More than 200 highly influential international buyers from more than 30 countries will experience the best of Northern Ireland's tourism and hospitality offering next May and discover first-hand what the destination has to offer their international visitors."
As well as two-days of pre-scheduled one-to-one business appointments, buyers and international journalists will also attend seminars, workshops and networking events to boost their knowledge of the UK as a visitor destination. Delegates will also experience tourism products and services first-hand with pre-event educational trips to destinations across the country.
(JG/CM)
'Explore Great Britain (GB) and Northern Ireland' will bring buyers from the UK's largest inbound visitor markets to the ICC, including from the US, Brazil, Australian Germany, China.
The event is scheduled from 18-20 May 2020, boosting Northern Ireland's portfolio as a reputable event destination. Previous cities to host the event held annually since 2014 include Harrogate, Brighton, Liverpool and Ascot.
International buyers and journalists will meet and do business with travel industry suppliers from across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
VisitBritain Chief Executive Sally Balcombe said the city has a lot to offer.
"We are delighted to be bringing our flagship travel trade event to Belfast in 2020. From its world-class museums, iconic maritime history and stunning parklands to its thriving arts, music and culinary scene, Belfast is a fantastic destination to highlight the breadth and quality of our tourism offer to international buyers.
"Tourism is one of the UK's most valuable export industries and also one of the most globally competitive, which is why ExploreGB and Northern Ireland is such a valuable business tool. It gives travel suppliers and destinations the chance to present their products to top global buyers, forge international business connections and ultimately inspire more visitors to book a trip to the UK, boosting local economies."
Tourism NI Chief Executive John McGrillen welcomed the announcement as a "huge opportunity for Northern Ireland".
"We are very proud that Belfast was selected from a competitive list of cities throughout the UK," he commented.
"More than 200 highly influential international buyers from more than 30 countries will experience the best of Northern Ireland's tourism and hospitality offering next May and discover first-hand what the destination has to offer their international visitors."
As well as two-days of pre-scheduled one-to-one business appointments, buyers and international journalists will also attend seminars, workshops and networking events to boost their knowledge of the UK as a visitor destination. Delegates will also experience tourism products and services first-hand with pre-event educational trips to destinations across the country.
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 August 2002
BIA opens £200,000 business lounge
Belfast International Airport (BIA) has opened Northern Ireland's first-ever lounge facility available to all passengers flying on any ticket type with any airline.
BIA opens £200,000 business lounge
Belfast International Airport (BIA) has opened Northern Ireland's first-ever lounge facility available to all passengers flying on any ticket type with any airline.
20 March 2003
Firms urged to win business via EU funded projects
As part of their range of programmes to support business development and to encourage more businesses to enter external markets and diversify their overseas presence, Invest NI is to allocate further financial resources to the International Tendering Fund.
Firms urged to win business via EU funded projects
As part of their range of programmes to support business development and to encourage more businesses to enter external markets and diversify their overseas presence, Invest NI is to allocate further financial resources to the International Tendering Fund.
29 November 2017
Qualcomm Technologies To Continue Developing aptX
Qualcomm Technologies International has announced it is using research and development support from Invest Northern Ireland to help it develop the next generation of its Qualcomm® aptX™ audio technology.
Qualcomm Technologies To Continue Developing aptX
Qualcomm Technologies International has announced it is using research and development support from Invest Northern Ireland to help it develop the next generation of its Qualcomm® aptX™ audio technology.
26 June 2014
NI Firms Support BIO International Convention
Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster has supported local companies taking part in the world’s leading life sciences exhibition, BIO International Convention in San Diego.
NI Firms Support BIO International Convention
Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster has supported local companies taking part in the world’s leading life sciences exhibition, BIO International Convention in San Diego.
26 November 2012
Anaconda Equipment International Scoops Business In Colombia
Invest Northern Ireland Chief Executive Alastair Hamilton has announced that Anaconda Equipment International in Cookstown has won significant business in Colombia for its innovative machinery.
Anaconda Equipment International Scoops Business In Colombia
Invest Northern Ireland Chief Executive Alastair Hamilton has announced that Anaconda Equipment International in Cookstown has won significant business in Colombia for its innovative machinery.
-
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.
