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06/11/2002
Visitor boost for Belfast Welcome Centre
Figures released by the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau (BVCB) reveal that visitor numbers to the Belfast Welcome Centre are up 17% on last year with an increase of 19% in total enquiries.
During the first three-quarters of 2002, 161,946 people have visited the city’s tourist information centre with staff handling a total of 215,561 enquiries.
The figures also show that during the key April to September tourist period the Welcome Centre handled over 163,000 enquiries, an increase of 15% on the same period last year, and welcomed more than 125,000 visitors through its doors, an increase of 13%.
Commenting on the figures, BVCB Chief Executive Gerry Lennon said: “Last year we surpassed our first year target of 170,000 visitors and I am delighted to say that we are well on course for this year’s target of 200,000 visitors.
“Visitor numbers are up significantly, as are our total enquiry numbers and income generated from the sales of gifts and souvenirs. Overall it is very encouraging for the future."
Meanwhile, Ian Pearson, Northern Ireland Office Minister with responsibility for tourism, has said that Belfast’s renaissance as an international tourist destination must continue.
Speaking during a visit to BVCB, the Minister said: “In common with many people new to Northern Ireland it seems wholly appropriate that I call into the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau to learn about the many and varied experiences this region offers.
“Last week’s news that Belfast had failed to make the City of Culture shortlist was disappointing, however, my first impression of the City and of Northern Ireland as a whole, is how far removed it is from the negative media images transmitted across the world."
During the visit Mr Pearson saw how the Bureau promotes the City and its surrounds as a tourist and conference destination and how it has developed its role within Northern Ireland as a gateway Tourist Information Centre.
At the heart of the city, the Welcome Centre at 47 Donegall Place, also provides an all-Ireland accommodation booking service, tickets for tours and events, left luggage facilities for visitors and souvenirs from across Northern Ireland.
The BVCB is funded by Belfast City Council and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and sponsored by GuinnessUDV.
(MB)
During the first three-quarters of 2002, 161,946 people have visited the city’s tourist information centre with staff handling a total of 215,561 enquiries.
The figures also show that during the key April to September tourist period the Welcome Centre handled over 163,000 enquiries, an increase of 15% on the same period last year, and welcomed more than 125,000 visitors through its doors, an increase of 13%.
Commenting on the figures, BVCB Chief Executive Gerry Lennon said: “Last year we surpassed our first year target of 170,000 visitors and I am delighted to say that we are well on course for this year’s target of 200,000 visitors.
“Visitor numbers are up significantly, as are our total enquiry numbers and income generated from the sales of gifts and souvenirs. Overall it is very encouraging for the future."
Meanwhile, Ian Pearson, Northern Ireland Office Minister with responsibility for tourism, has said that Belfast’s renaissance as an international tourist destination must continue.
Speaking during a visit to BVCB, the Minister said: “In common with many people new to Northern Ireland it seems wholly appropriate that I call into the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau to learn about the many and varied experiences this region offers.
“Last week’s news that Belfast had failed to make the City of Culture shortlist was disappointing, however, my first impression of the City and of Northern Ireland as a whole, is how far removed it is from the negative media images transmitted across the world."
During the visit Mr Pearson saw how the Bureau promotes the City and its surrounds as a tourist and conference destination and how it has developed its role within Northern Ireland as a gateway Tourist Information Centre.
At the heart of the city, the Welcome Centre at 47 Donegall Place, also provides an all-Ireland accommodation booking service, tickets for tours and events, left luggage facilities for visitors and souvenirs from across Northern Ireland.
The BVCB is funded by Belfast City Council and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and sponsored by GuinnessUDV.
(MB)
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