Culture meeting aims to put Belfast on tourism map

Key figures from the cultural and tourism trade sectors have met at the Old Museum Arts Centre today, to discuss ways in which Belfast can be put on the map as a significant cultural tourism destination.

At a networking lunch organised by Belfast City Council’s Development Department, more than 80 individuals from a wide variety of Belfast’s venues, theatre companies, hotels, restaurants and marketing organisations discussed numerous ways in which the city can improve its cultural image.

Following a successful first networking event in September 2002, today’s event was organised in response to demand for continued opportunities to build working relationships and develop business to business links between the tourism industry, arts organisations, venues, event and festival promoters, and sports organisations.

Speaking about today’s event, Councillor Tom Hartley, Chairman of the Development (Tourism and Promotion of Belfast) Sub-Committee stated: “This is another excellent opportunity for representatives of the cultural sector to develop business to business links with the tourism and hospitality sector. I am sure that events such as today will stimulate a more proactive approach to partnerships throughout the city – between cultural venues, restaurants, tour operators and accommodation providers.

"By sharing our expertise, we can really put Belfast on the map of European cultural destinations, and ensure that the whole of the City, including those who provide the wide diversity of cultural experience in Belfast, benefit from tourism”.

The Cultural Tourism Strategy for Belfast was created in partnership with key agencies in the City to ensure the strategic development and promotion of culture and tourism in the longer term. The Strategy and Action Plan is focused on maximising the potential of events, entertainment and sport in the City, as well as more traditional interpretations of culture.

(MB)