Belfast conference figures on the up

Belfast is hosting more major conferences than ever before, according to new figures.

Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau (BVCB) today revealed that 329,000 overnight out-of-state visitors travelled to the city for business and conference reasons in 2003, a 44% increase on 2002.

This equates to 46% of the total overnight out-of-state market, making conference and business visitors the cornerstone to Belfast's tourism economy.

Building on these figures, one of the most prestigious events due to take place in Belfast in 2006 is the XVII World Congress of the International Association of Youth and Family Judges and Magistrates.

BVCB worked closely with the NI Courts Service in preparing the bid and presentation in Geneva to ensure that Belfast won out over France and Thailand to host the congress which is held every four years.

Around 600 individuals representing the highest levels of judges and policy makers in their respective countries are due to attend the four-day congress which, it is estimated, will generate £580,000 for the local economy.

Una Donelly, Director of the Convention Bureau, said that increasing conference business was good news for the city in more ways than one.

“The growing number of prestigious events being hosted by Belfast is good news for both the local economy and the image of Belfast as a whole," she said. "Business visitors spend more during their stay than those travelling for pleasure and conferences provide a chance to showcase the city in a positive way, encouraging those people to return for a leisure trip.

“It also means that the more conferences we attract, the more examples of good practice we have to promote to buyers and organisers and success breeds success."

BVCB is a membership organisation funded by Belfast City Council and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and sponsored by Diageo NI.

(MB)