Last week, Visit Belfast welcomed more than 80 group organisers and tourism suppliers to Belfast City Hall for ‘Great Neighbourhood Days Out’; an exciting pilot initiative designed to create commercial opportunities for Belfast’s neighbourhood tourism sector.
In a meet-the-buyer format, the event connected organisers of clubs, societies and community groups with attractions, tour operators, and visitor experiences from across the city, spotlighting the wealth of day trip ideas Belfast has to offer beyond its most well-known landmarks.
The evening was opened by the Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Paul Doherty, before representatives from across North, South, East and West Belfast delivered impressive destination showcases, highlighting the strength and diversity of experiences available across all parts of the city. Contributors included Croga Tours, McConnell’s Distillery, Eastside Partnership, Fáilte Feirste Thiar and The Harrison. Alongside Templemore Baths, the James Connolly Centre, each offering something unique and memorable for group visitors.
Speaking on the event, Mary Jo McCanny, Director of Visitor Experience & Destination Initiatives at Visit Belfast said, “Belfast is a city full of brilliant, unexpected stories, and many of them are being told right on our doorsteps in our own neighbourhoods. Events like this are invaluable in helping group organisers bring new audiences to the people and places that make our city so special.”
As a pilot initiative, events such as Great Neighbourhood Days Out underlines Visit Belfast’s ongoing commitment to championing the full breadth of the city’s tourism offering, ensuring that every corner of Belfast gets the recognition it deserves, and that visitors can look forward to a rich, varied, and authentically local experience.
