Tourism
Northern Ireland showcased local hospitality to professional congress organisers
as the region sets sights on generating £209 million in direct economic impact
from events by 2030.
Between
26-29 May, Northern Ireland welcomed council members from the International Association
of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) to sample the region’s meetings and
events offering through a busy progamme, including tours of Titanic Belfast,
the Cathedral Quarter and the chance to attend events at both ICC Belfast and
the Grand Central Hotel.
The region
sees business events as a critical driver for economic recovery post-Covid and
in March 2020 launched the Integrated Strategy for Business Events in Northern
Ireland to deliver £209 million in direct economic impact, and up to 2000 new
jobs by 2030.
IAPCO chief
executive, Martin Boyle said: “The economic impact and social legacy
that results from people gathering for business and professional events can
never be underestimated.
“All of our attending Council members are delighted to have
touched down in Belfast to connect with one another and share their experiences
and insights. We very much appreciate the opportunity to explore Belfast and
would like to thank Team Northern Ireland for coordinating the visit.”
In 2019, IAPCO members delivered 21,423 meetings and events
worldwide with an economic impact of €13.8 billion. In 2020, IAPCO members
still delivered 13,300 meetings and events despite the ongoing pandemic.
Tourism NI chief executive John McGrillen said: “Conference
and business events are a crucial part of Northern Ireland's visitor economy
and can play a major role in securing investment and job creation across the
region. Our latest estimates show that the sector could deliver £209 million in
direct economic impact, and up to 2000 new jobs by 2030.
“The Northern Ireland Business Events Strategy sets out an
integrated approach to achieve a significant increase in our share of the
lucrative business events market and by partnering with IAPCO, we now have the
potential to achieve this.” He added: “As business events return, we look
forward to working collaboratively with Visit Belfast, Visit Derry and ICC
Belfast in rebuilding the sector. I wish all council members an enjoyable stay
here and we hope you return again soon.”
