Belfast Claims UK's Best Event Destination

Visit Belfast, the city region's destination marketing organisation, has scooped 'Best Event Destination UK' at this year's Conference & Incentive Travel (C&IT) awards in London.

The annual awards are the most influential in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibition (MICE) tourism sector, recognising quality across the industry and celebrating excellence in hospitality, event planning, venues and in destination appeal.

It was the second time this year that Visit Belfast has triumphed on the international stage, after claiming the top award for 'Best Convention Bureau' in June at the micebook annual awards, recognising its commitment to delivering world class events with excellence, innovation and impact.

Meanwhile, ICC Belfast, the city's stunning international convention centre, was this year shortlisted for the C&IT 'Best UK Venue' award, marking a significant achievement that recognises the strengthened strategic partnership between the two organisations to promote Belfast as a compelling and unique hub for global conferences and events.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, expressed his pride in the city's achievements and in the intensive collaboration required to secure international award recognition. "Visit Belfast's latest success at this year's C&IT awards, coupled with ICC Belfast being shortlisted for Best UK Venue, is further recognition of Belfast's powerful ability to compete and win on the world stage and to showcase the city's unique strengths in a hugely competitive international arena," he said.

"I warmly congratulate this well-deserved collective success for both organisations, their teams and partners on yet another job well done.

"These awards are always vitally important for the city and will continue to underline Belfast's enduring appeal as a compelling place to visit, to host events and do business."

Visit Belfast, which this year marks 25 years of tourism growth success for the city, has secured the industry's top destination title at the annual C&IT awards for many years, including in 2023, when it won three major accolades, including 'World's Best Conference Destination'. It has now held the best destination title for six out of the last seven years.

Gerry Lennon, Chief Executive of Visit Belfast, also reflected on the city's remarkable success.

"Being recognised as Best Event Destination UK is an outstanding achievement for Belfast and we don't take these awards lightly," he said.

"This important win, alongside ICC Belfast's shortlisting as Best UK Venue reflects the city's growing influence in the international events market for its ability to deliver unique, memorable and highly successful events.

"Thanks to strong collaboration between Belfast City Council, our partners and wider tourism sector, Belfast continues to make a demonstrable mark as a leading destination for conferences and events and we look forward to building further on this success."