Big Wheels and big thrills and a location that is booming for both shopping and leisure activities has brought Belfast up by an amazing 11 places this year in the Guardian/Observer travel awards.

It now comes in just behind Edinburgh in a poll of the United Kingdom’s favourite city break destinations.

Around 13,500 of the newspapers’ readers voted in the annual travel survey, which is now in its 21st year. With the results announced at a recent ceremony in sunny Seville.

Gerry Lennon, Chief Executive of the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau (BVCB), was delighted that Belfast has been given such a major endorsement.

“It is very satisfying to see Belfast making it into the top two cities in the UK in such a prestigious survey,” said Gerry.

“It is hardly surprising in many respects though when you consider how far the city has come in recent years and as it follows on from the endorsement that the Lonely Planet Guide gave to the city when it listed Belfast as one of the ‘must see destinations’ of 2007.

“Judging from the amount of visitors that have passed through the Belfast Welcome Centre up to the end of August this year, it seems that more people than ever are checking out what Belfast has to offer.

“In the first six months of 2007, the Welcome Centre handled nearly 260,000 enquiries, up nine per cent from last year. August alone saw a 15% rise on the previous year, with a total of 56,000 enquiries in a single month.

“Added to this, the tourist information centre at Belfast International Airport has also reported a rise of 14% on enquiries in the first six months of 2007 to a record 45,301. Due to increased traffic and demand, a new centre has also recently opened in the George Best Belfast City Airport and is already reporting brisk business,” he added.

Councillor Michael Browne, Chairman of Belfast City Council's Development Committee, said: “Belfast has become a city that appeals to visitors throughout the year and even during the winter there is plenty to see and do - from the Belfast Wheel to the Continental Christmas Markets at City Hall.

“With a wide variety of high street and boutique stores offering great Christmas shopping, as well as Victoria Square, which is due to open in March 2008, the city’s commercial offering is increasing all the time.

“With a number of major hotel developments due to complete in the next 18 months, I have no doubt that our tourism industry will continue to thrive.”

(BMcC)