Over 30 BVCB members from across the tourism and hospitality industry descended in London this month (15 November) to showcase Belfast as a conference destination.
The event marks the end of a landmark year for business tourism development in the city including the opening of Titanic Belfast, the announcement of a £20m extension to the Belfast wateont and new product investments such as the MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre), The Crumlin Road Gaol and the opening of SS Nomadic due to take place early next year.
Seventy clients attended the event including association conference organisers, professional conference organisers and event buyers. Also at the showcase were clients who had recently confirmed Belfast as a location for their conference including the Association of Surgeons in Training which is planning its 2014 event in the city and the British Institute of International and Comparative Law which held its ‘UNCLOS at 30’ event in Belfast this month.
At the event, buyers got the chance to sample the finest local produce by our celebrity chefs and finalists from the ‘Great British Menu’ series, sample a uniquely Belfast cocktail which ‘Lady Guinness’ and be entertained by the Belfast Community Gospel Choir.
The event was held as part of the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau plans to win 70 per cent more conference business in this financial year and grow business tourism across the city. Since 1 April, BVCB has secured 33 conference wins for Belfast worth £18m to the local economy.
The event was sponsored by Titanic Belfast, Tourism Ireland and supported by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
