Business

Belfast to host major aviation conference

The extended Waterfront will host the Routes Europe event in 2017
The extended Waterfront will host the Routes Europe event in 2017 The extended Waterfront will host the Routes Europe event in 2017

AN international aviation conference could garner new air connections to Northern Ireland and generate millions for the economy, those behind the event have said.

Routes Europe will bring 1,200 delegates to Belfast in 2017 after the city won the right to host the three-day event at the new Waterfront exhibition centre.

It is expected the conference will generate £1.3 million in the short term through hotel stays and restaurants - however the spin offs could be much greater, organisers said.

Previous host cities - which most recently included Aberdeen - have used the event as a platform to attract new routes, with up to six new connections being achieved per conference.

Gerard Brown from organisers Routes UBM EMEA said that meant "an economic benefit of up to £70m after five years".

"That is what host cities have told us," he said.

"Another benefit is from a promotional point of view. Many of those coming here won't have been in Belfast before but as we have found out, it is a wonderful place and will spread that message."

Mr Brown said greater connectivity had resulted in increased tourism spend and higher foreign direct investment at previous hosts.

Belfast had been in negotiations to bring the conference to the city for around a year and was up against six other candidates.

The event is held annually and brings together airlines, airport and tourism bodies from across Europe.

Enterprise minister Arlene Foster said the conference "provides us with a rare opportunity to bring influential decision makers into the region and showcase Northern Ireland's tourism and business potential".

Belfast International Airport described the conference as a "major boost for Northern Ireland".

Its managing director Graham Keddie said: “This is an exceptional opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland and set out how we want to be better connected to Europe."

Belfast City Airport commercial director Katy Best said the event "will enable us to market the city and region like never before and we look forward to continuing to work with Government to ensure we fully capitalise on the conference".