21/04/2006

Belfast plays host to Rotarian conference

Over 2,500 Rotarians have arrived in Belfast to take part in one of the biggest ever conferences ever to to be held in the city.

The city is playing host to delegates of Rotary International from Britain and Ireland for their annual conference, which is taking place at the Odyssey arena.

Environmental issues and climate change are expected to be top of the agenda and will be addressed by Church of Ireland primate, Lord Eames.

It is understood that the two-day event will generate millions of pounds for the Belfast economy through the hospitality industry, which will cater for the visiting Rotarians.

Gerry Lennon, chief executive of the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau, said: "This is great news for the whole tourism and hospitality infrastructure."

Well in advance of the conference he urged businesses to gear up for the influx of delegates who would require "accommodation, transport, shopping and entertainment".

President of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland, Mike Webb, said that the past 12-months have been an action packed one for the Rotarians and he outlined the efforts made by its members in response to global disasters in Asia, New Orleans and most recently Pakistan.

"We welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss both existing and new projects utilising the impressive facilities at the Odyssey arena in the great city setting that Belfast offers," he concluded.

(EF/CD)

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