New Waterfront conference facility generates £21m for Belfast in opening year

Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Ltd (BWUH), the company that operates both venues, has announced a record-breaking first year in operation. Catherine Toolan, MD BWUH, say she is delighted with the team’s performance in the opening year, with both venues hosting over 340 entertainment and business events. “In our first year of operating we welcomed over 300,000 visitors, sold over 252,000 tickets and served a taste of Northern Ireland’s famed food to over 233,000 people. And the newly extended Belfast Waterfront has brought in over 50,000 delegate nights, generating an economic return of £21m for the city. The exceptional effort and dedication of the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall team and local ambassadors together with city partners have made this year such a great success.” In addition to bringing business visitors who spend up to £488 per day, the new development has transformed Belfast into a serious contender as a host conference and event destination. In fact an impressive 76% of the conferences last year were newcomers to the stunning riverside facility. The new venue wouldn’t have been possible without the financial support and vision of Belfast City Council, European Regional Development Fund and Tourism Northern Ireland.  Ellvena Graham, chairman of BWUH, confirmed that: “Based on the venue’s performance in 2016, coupled with overwhelmingly positive client feedback, the city is looking forward to welcoming many more conferences and events from around the world. Indeed the Belfast Waterfront has already secured a further 40 national/international conferences over the next few years which are expected to bring over 67,000 delegate nights to Belfast.”