Belfast has been shortlisted for Europe’s Leading City Break Destination

By Maria McCann

Belfast has been shortlisted for the title of Europe’s Leading City Break Destination in the prestigious World Travel Awards.

Belfast faces competition from cities such as London, Amsterdam and Dublin.

The public is being encouraged to show their pride and get behind the campaign by voting before the closing date of 6 August.
 
Already home to the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction in Titanic Belfast, Belfast’s reputation as a tourist destination has grown in recent years, and the city now welcomes millions of visitors from all over the world, who come to enjoy everything on offer – from great visitor attractions and experiences to mouth-watering food and drink and a world-renowned welcome.
 
New Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Nuala McAllister helped to launch the campaign this morning at City Hall as her first official engagement.
 
She said: "This is a really exciting opportunity for Belfast - to even be nominated for such a prestigious award is a fantastic boost for the city. I hope everyone will get on board and support the campaign by casting their vote for Belfast.
 
"As a global city, tourism is of growing importance to Belfast's growth, and our tourism offering is now on a par with other major European cities. Only recently we opened the new permanent exhibition at City Hall which has already attracted almost 17,000 people in its first few weeks of opening, and City Hall itself is a must-see for any visitor to Belfast.
 
"We have a lot to be proud of, and winning this award would be the icing on the cake after a record-breaking year for tourism in Belfast.”

Visit Belfast Chief Executive, Gerry Lennon, is confident that Belfast can win.
 
"Belfast is a city transformed in the eyes of the world, and we now have a tourism product to be proud of. This nomination just goes to show the progress that the city has made in the last two decades, as we are now seen as a popular European city break destination, thanks to over £1 billion investment from organisations like Belfast City Council, Tourism Northern Ireland, and the public sector.

The competition may be tough, but I am confident that everyone will get behind this campaign to support the city and bring the award home.