23/05/2025
Visit Belfast Unveils Second Year Of Tourism Growth Strategy
Visit Belfast has launched the second year of its "New Horizons 2024-27" strategy, outlining collaborative plans to expand the city region's visitor economy and enhance its global standing as a premier destination for leisure, cruise, and business tourism.
Building on extensive research and consultation with Belfast City Council, this multi-year roadmap aims for robust growth and resilience in the tourism sector.
The 2025-26 plan introduces new priorities focusing on brand development, accessibility, sustainability, digital transformation, and partnership-led delivery. In its first year, Visit Belfast's efforts contributed £172 million to the city's tourism economy, a significant step towards its three-year goal of generating £424 million in economic impact and achieving a £30 return for every £1 invested. This success was underscored by Belfast's ranking as 9th globally in the Global Destinations Sustainability Index for 2024, the highest in the UK and Ireland, and recognition by TripAdvisor as one of the Top 10 Sustainable Destinations worldwide.
Looking forward, Visit Belfast's success metrics will encompass not only economic impact but also social and environmental benefits, reflecting tourism's role in fostering a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future for the city and wider region. Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, lauded the new plans as "bold, targeted, and rooted in what makes this city so special," while Marie-Thérèse McGivern, Chair of Visit Belfast, emphasised a commitment to "doubling down on collaboration, creativity and inclusion to grow tourism in a way that works for everyone."
The organisation's sales and marketing activities are projected to attract over 850,000 visitors, generate 450,000 bed nights, and handle 800,000 tourist inquiries, all while promoting environmental and social sustainability. Ellvena Graham, Chair of Tourism Northern Ireland, highlighted Belfast's crucial role as a "gateway city" that drives international connectivity and regional tourism growth. The launch event at Titanic Belfast brought together over 250 industry partners and city leaders, showcasing the unified ambition within Belfast's tourism community.
Visit Belfast's 2025-26 business plans are available to view and download at: www.visitbelfastpartners.com
Building on extensive research and consultation with Belfast City Council, this multi-year roadmap aims for robust growth and resilience in the tourism sector.
The 2025-26 plan introduces new priorities focusing on brand development, accessibility, sustainability, digital transformation, and partnership-led delivery. In its first year, Visit Belfast's efforts contributed £172 million to the city's tourism economy, a significant step towards its three-year goal of generating £424 million in economic impact and achieving a £30 return for every £1 invested. This success was underscored by Belfast's ranking as 9th globally in the Global Destinations Sustainability Index for 2024, the highest in the UK and Ireland, and recognition by TripAdvisor as one of the Top 10 Sustainable Destinations worldwide.
The organisation's sales and marketing activities are projected to attract over 850,000 visitors, generate 450,000 bed nights, and handle 800,000 tourist inquiries, all while promoting environmental and social sustainability. Ellvena Graham, Chair of Tourism Northern Ireland, highlighted Belfast's crucial role as a "gateway city" that drives international connectivity and regional tourism growth. The launch event at Titanic Belfast brought together over 250 industry partners and city leaders, showcasing the unified ambition within Belfast's tourism community.
Visit Belfast's 2025-26 business plans are available to view and download at: www.visitbelfastpartners.com
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27 October 2021
Belfast Makes Top 20 List Of Most Sustainable Destinations In The World
Belfast has made the Top 20 official list of sustainable destinations in the world, recognised as a leading city tourism destination committed to sustainable development and growth.
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Belfast has made the Top 20 official list of sustainable destinations in the world, recognised as a leading city tourism destination committed to sustainable development and growth.
27 January 2010
Tourism Matters In Focus
Whether it is 'flying your kite' surfing off Benone, (pictured) or enjoying cultural tourism in west Belfast, the way tourism is marketed has been in focus this week. Both an advance - and a more backward step - in tourism matters were highlighted yesterday as two politicians spoke out on making the most of visitor numbers.
Tourism Matters In Focus
Whether it is 'flying your kite' surfing off Benone, (pictured) or enjoying cultural tourism in west Belfast, the way tourism is marketed has been in focus this week. Both an advance - and a more backward step - in tourism matters were highlighted yesterday as two politicians spoke out on making the most of visitor numbers.
29 May 2024
Visit Belfast Launches New Three-Year City Tourism Strategy
A new three-year tourism plan to strengthen and elevate the appeal of Belfast's vibrant neighbourhoods to drive new growth and fresh exploration has been launched by Visit Belfast.
Visit Belfast Launches New Three-Year City Tourism Strategy
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15 December 2022
21 Projects Shortlisted For New £10m Belfast City Council Fund
A range of tourism, environmental and economic projects have been shortlisted for a new £10 million capital fund from Belfast City Council.
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A range of tourism, environmental and economic projects have been shortlisted for a new £10 million capital fund from Belfast City Council.
21 October 2024
Belfast Named Most Sustainable Visitor Destination In UK And Ireland
Belfast has been recognised as the most sustainable visitor destination in the United Kingdom and Ireland in the 2024 GDS-Index. The city ranked alongside global cities such as Sydney, Singapore, Oslo, and Copenhagen in the Top 10.
Belfast Named Most Sustainable Visitor Destination In UK And Ireland
Belfast has been recognised as the most sustainable visitor destination in the United Kingdom and Ireland in the 2024 GDS-Index. The city ranked alongside global cities such as Sydney, Singapore, Oslo, and Copenhagen in the Top 10.
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