Council sets up ‘dates’ for tourism and culture

Belfast City Council has confirmed it has arranged unique ‘dates’ for some of the key figures in the city’s tourism industry.

Representatives from Belfast’s hospitality and marketing industries were ‘paired off’ with their opposite numbers from theatre companies, venues and heritage organisations in the latest of an ongoing series of networking events, designed to forge new bonds between the participants.

The Council invited almost 100 top players from the tourism industry and the cultural sector to make vital new business connections with the help of the latest craze to hit the business world – speed-networking.

Like speed-dating, people are seated opposite someone from a different organisation and given just three minutes to discuss potential working relationships and exchange business cards before moving on to their next ‘brief encounter’.

Building on the success of recent networking events held at the Belfast City Hall and the Radisson Hotel, the seventh Cultural Tourism Network event was organised by the Council in response to demand for continued opportunities to build working relationships and develop stronger links between the tourism industry and arts, heritage and sports organisations, venues, event and festival promoters.

Gerry Copeland, Events Manager at Belfast City Council, who spoke at the event, said: “It is all about making it as easy as possible for residents and visitors in the city to enjoy the best of our culture and entertainment.

"Through initiatives such as ‘Celebrate Belfast 2006’, the Council is showcasing the wealth of cultural excellence that exists in Belfast. It is about developing a cultural infrastructure and leaving a legacy so that Belfast can put itself on the international cultural map - not just for the 15 months of the programme, but for the years to come."

Belfast City Council’s Cultural Tourism Strategy was developed in partnership with key agencies in the city to ensure the strategic development and promotion of culture and tourism.

The strategy and action plan are focused on maximizing the potential of events, entertainment and sport in the City, as well as more traditional interpretations of culture.

(MB)