New tourism figures revealed that almost one million hotel rooms were booked in Belfast last year.
The total sales represented a 14 per cent increase on the previous 12 months, with an accompanying 18 per cent growth in revenue generated by hoteliers, according to research commissioned by the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau (BVCB).
Last year saw the city stage a number of high-profile events, including those combined with the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Belfast-built Titanic, and the data suggests these had a positive effect on tourist numbers.
The study carried out by STR Global for the benefit of BVCB revealed that average hotel occupancy was up to 74 per cent from 66 per cent in 2011, peaking at 89 per cent through the summer.
Welcoming the figures, BVCB claimed its work had been responsible for securing many of the tourist bed nights.
Factoring in its part in attracting day trips, conference events and cruise liners locally, the city council-backed organisation claimed its joint sales and marketing activities had contributed £60 million to the local economy in 2012.
The bureau vowed to generate further success this year and set more high-reaching targets. Lord Mayor of Belfast Gavin Robinson admired BVCB’s work in 2012.
He said: “BVCB has proven to be a real success story in developing tourism in Belfast and the image and reputation of the city has been transformed in the 14 years since it was created by Belfast City Council.”
“It is a first class example of one of the city’s most successful public-private partnerships, with a proven track record in delivering the city’s tourism, marketing, sales and visitor services.
“Tourism has become one of Belfast’s key economic drivers, and Belfast City Council has recognised its importance through its investment programme and we can all look forward to further exciting developments as we continue to promote the city as a must see tourist destination.”
Chief executive of BVCB, Gerry Lennon, added: “From a tourism perspective, Belfast is in a strong position to grow further in 2013 and we have much to look forward to.
“Our aim is to ensure that Belfast performs well in the competition for local and international visitors and that tourism continues to deliver local growth while sustaining and creating new jobs.”
