Belfast’s claims to be one of Europe’s fastest-growing conference destinations were bolstered following recognition from the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) of the city and region’s effort in delivering the 2017 Routes Europe conference.
The four-day Routes Europe 2017 event took place back in April and attracted 1,200 aviation industry delegates to the city and the smooth running of the conference won the city’s convention bureau Visit Belfast the ‘Best Industry Partnership’ award, at ABPCO’s annual Excellence Awards.
Putting on the conference had been a multi-agency effort, stakeholders including Invest Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council, Tourism Northern Ireland, the Department for the Economy, Tourism Ireland, Belfast Waterfront, Titanic Belfast and the region’s three airports.
Visit Belfast’s Deborah Collins said of the ABPCO recognition: “Routes Europe 2017 was a huge success, not only for route development but for tourism, investment and raising export potential. Achievements made before, during and since the event have delivered real benefits for all associated partners.
“The committed partnership approach proved a highly successful and impactful winning formula for everyone and we are delighted to accept the award on behalf of all those involved.”
Steven Small, brand director of Routes commented: “Working with Team Northern Ireland in the planning and delivery of Routes Europe in Belfast was a pleasure. We experienced a professional and knowledgeable team of people who went the extra mile for us across all aspects of the event, and this was evident in the fantastic feedback we had from delegates.”
More than 5,000 separate meetings took place across the city as part of the landmark global aviation event.
This award comes on the back of other accolades the city has won, including Lonely Planet’s Best Region to visit in 2018 with the Causeway Coast, and National Geographic Traveller’s Rising Star of 2018. Earlier this year, Marketing Week magazine awarded Visit Belfast a Masters of Marketing Award for its Find Your Belfast campaign, which helped encourage a tourism spend of more than £42m, whilst the Belfast Welcome Centre won the best Visitor Information Centre at the Northern Ireland Travel Awards.
