Visit Belfast, Beyond Convention

Client: Hopefull Handbags/Mums in Business

Belfast

Belfast is a city that surprises, captivates, and delivers. Nestled between the hills and the sea, this hidden gem is renowned for its warm, authentic hospitality—turning first-time visitors into lifelong fans. And the world is taking notice. Forbes recently spotlighted Belfast’s surge in sustainable tourism, while Time Out Magazine named it one of the Top 50 Cities to Visit in the World.

Leading the way in sustainability, Visit Belfast is developing a city-wide tourism carbon footprint report with EY, due summer 2025. Belfast will become the first city in the UK and Ireland to measure the city wide footprint of tourism and set out an action plan to decarbonisation.

Visit Belfast partners have now raised £1.4m for social causes, and in 2024, Visit Belfast achieved Gold certification from Green Tourism with 77% of all hotel bedrooms now Green tourism accredited

Celebrating its 25th year, and with a “New Horizons” business plan launched, Visit Belfast now measures success across people, planet, and profit—publishing annual performance and impact reports to ensure transparency and progress.

Belfast continues to redefine itself as a leading global destination for business events, earning widespread recognition for its innovation, sustainability, and impact. Belfast has risen to the UK and Ireland's top-ranked destination in the Global Destination Sustainability Index—from 38th place to 9th globally.

Last year was an exceptional year for business development with the team securing 121 conferences worth £35.2m, bringing in over 34,500 delegates and 96,000 bed nights— 12% year-on-year growth, and in collaboration with city partners, Belfast secured the largest ever music event for the city, the ‘Fleadh cheoil na héireann’ which will bring over 500,000 visitors in August 2026 worth an estimated £60m to the local economy.

From world-class events to unforgettable experiences, Belfast’s tourism journey is nothing short of remarkable.