Visit Belfast has launched ‘New Horizons’ strategy to boost tourism growth in the city region, aiming for a €470m economic boost by 2027.
The three-year plan focuses on strengthening Belfast’s vibrant neighborhoods to enhance the city’s tourism appeal and drive new growth opportunities.
The strategy aims for a 20pc increase in the city’s tourism economy over the next three years, with targeted annual growth rates to achieve this goal.
Visit Belfast’s previous Rebuilding City Tourism strategy since the pandemic has shown positive results, with the new plan focusing on sustainable tourism growth and highlighting Belfast’s diverse cultural offerings.
Gerry Lennon CEO of Visit Belfast, said: “the aim of our new strategy is to spread the tourism benefits right across the Belfast City region, helping to sustain many more businesses and jobs and building new connections with visitors. Working closely with our key stakeholders and all our partners, by enhancing the visitor experience and inspiring visitors to do more, spend more and stay longer, we aim to drive new growth and value for the economy.”
“Though cost issues and the challenging trading environment persist, Belfast has continued to deliver high levels of visitor satisfaction, establishing itself as an attractive citybreak, business and cruise destination, the outlook is positive in our commitment to maximising tourism’s potential for the benefit of the entire city and region.”
John McGrillen, Chief Executive, Tourism Northern Ireland, said: “recognising and positively promoting our unique and competitive strengths as a compelling destination is vital in promoting our destination appeal to visitors around the world, to driving growth and to delivering economic impact. Tourism Northern Ireland will continue to work with Visit Belfast and all our partners to ensure that we maximise our tourism potential, helping to position the region internationally as an attractive place to visit, making our visitors feel welcome while also helping to make the lives better for all our citizens.”
