Belfast was named as one of the UK’s best city break destinations.
Compiled by the World’s largest online travel forum, TripAdvisor, its annual Travellers’ Choice Awards has once again ranked Belfast in its prestigious Top 10 ‘best destination’ list where this year, 2014, it sits comfortably alongside London, Edinburgh and York.
The Travellers’ Choice Destinations honour top travel spots worldwide, based on the millions of reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travellers.
Those selected are determined using a formula which takes into account the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for hotels, attractions and restaurants over a 12-month period.
TripAdvisor said:
“Belfast has grown into a cosmopolitan destination and become a popular weekend break spot. With feelings of optimism and life pulsing through the city, Belfast makes for an energising getaway.”
Belfast maintained its No. 5 placing again this year, beating York, Bristol, Llandudno, Leeds and Birmingham.
London was voted the overall best destination in the UK, followed by Edinburgh, Torquay and Liverpool.
This year, Manchester, Glasgow and Blackpool – all winning destinations in 2013 – are absent.
Gerry Lennon, Chief Executive of Visit Belfast, responsible for promoting the city and for visitor servicing, said:
“The warmth of Belfast’s welcome and the city’s success in delivering world class hospitality, attractions and events has been reaffirmed by our top five ranking in this highly-competitive list of the UK’s Best Destinations. I’m pleased that so many visitors have shared their positive experiences in such glowing terms to help us to retain our placing.
“The millions of pounds of investment and the concerted drive to deliver a first class welcome means that Belfast is now and fun and interesting place to visit and this latest award is another great endorsement of all of our hard work and commitment.
“Belfast’s fast-growing reputation as an modern and vibrant city-break destination is firmly secured and we look forward to welcoming even more visitors throughout 2014 – with Giro just around the corner, it’s already shaping up to be another great year.
UK’s Best Destinations for 2014
1. London
2. Edinburgh
3. Torquay
4. Liverpool
5. Belfast
6. York
7. Bristol
8. Llandudno
9. Leeds
10. Birmingham