Titanic Belfast has been named as Europe’s Leading Visitor Attraction at the prestigious World Travel Awards held in Sardinia, Italy, last night.
It is the first time an attraction in Northern Ireland has won the award at the ceremony, which has been nicknamed the ‘Tourism Oscars’, in its 23 year history.
Titanic Belfast beat off stiff competition for the top spot from the Acropolis, Athens, Buckingham Palace, England, Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, La Sagrada Familia, Spain, Ribeira do Porto, Portugal, The Eiffel Tower, France and The Roman Colosseum, Italy.
Titanic Belfast Chief Executive, Tim Husbands MBE, commented, “We are absolutely thrilled to be Europe’s Best Tourist Attraction. After only four years in operation, to be recognised and beat off stiff competition from Europe’s most iconic landmarks is a true honour. We know what we offer at Titanic Belfast is something our city and country can be proud of and are so please that this is has been recognised on an international level. We are looking forward to welcoming the national and international visitors that this award will attract to Belfast and Northern Ireland. We would like to thank everyone who has supported and voted for us.”
First Minister Arlene Foster, said, “In just four short years, Titanic Belfast has become an iconic tourist attraction, attracting over three million visitors from all over the world. Titanic Belfast is now a global brand which has put Northern Ireland on the map for all the right reasons so last night’s official confirmation that it is now Europe’s leading tourist attraction is well deserved. I had the privilege as Tourism Minister of being involved with the project since its inception, and this award is further proof that the investment and imagination that went into this attraction keeps paying dividends for the whole of Northern Ireland.”
The deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness said: “Titanic Belfast being voted Europe’s leading visitor attraction is a phenomenal achievement. The story of the Titanic is known around the globe and it is only right and proper we have a world class visitor attraction to match. When we opened this building in 2012 we hoped it would enable the current and future generations to explore the story of The Titanic in an innovative and interactive manner. Titanic Belfast has been a resounding success and I thank everyone involved in making this local tourism attraction a global ‘must see.”
Since opening in 2012, Titanic Belfast has established itself as a world-class attraction on the local, national and international stage, and continues to go from strength to strength. Last month, it welcomed its three-millionth visitor, having once again exceeded visitor number expectations. This milestone came during a record-breaking August, as the visitor attraction experienced its busiest day to date. The visitor experience has also experienced significant growth from France, Germany, USA and China year to date.
The award adds to Titanic Belfast accolades as it was recently included in Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travelist of 500 of the world’s most striking locations, featuring everything from imposing temples to hidden gems, after only a few years in operation. For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.
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Notes to Editors
Kerrie Sweeney, Chief Executive of Titanic Foundation Limited, the charity set-up to oversee the development of Titanic Belfast and who preserve Belfast’s maritime and industrial heritage, commented, “When Titanic Belfast first opened, we knew we had delivered an iconic building with an authentic story. Added to the amazing drive, talent and passion of the staff and crew, Titanic Belfast delivers a truly personal, memorable experience day in and day out. It’s wonderful to see this recognised through such a large scale public vote.”
About Titanic Belfast
Titanic Belfast is an iconic six-floor building featuring nine interpretive and interactive galleries that explore the sights, sounds, smells and stories of Titanic, as well as the City and people which made her. It is the World’s Largest Titanic exhibition.
The building houses temporary exhibits, a banqueting suite, education and community facilities, catering and retail space, and a basement car park. Visitors learn about the construction of RMS Titanic and the wide and rich story of Northern Ireland’s industrial and maritime heritage.
Supported by the Northern Ireland Executive, Titanic Belfast is a unique public/private partnership funded by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Belfast City Council, Belfast Harbour and Titanic Quarter Ltd. It is operated by Titanic Belfast Ltd and owned by the Titanic Foundation Ltd.
About Titanic Foundation
Titanic Foundation Limited (TFL) is a registered charity, set up to educate the public on Belfast’s industrial and maritime heritage, past, present and future. Titanic Foundation’s ambition is to create a dynamic maritime destination where preservation of heritage complements regeneration and where public realm, events and amenities attract, engage and connects everyone in Belfast to Titanic’s narrative – human endeavour, pride, inspiration and innovation. To date TFL has delivered Titanic Belfast and is currently progressing the restoration of the former Harland & Wolff Drawing Offices and Headquarters Building as a heritage centre and boutique hotel. As part of Titanic Foundation’s remit to protect and promote the maritime and industrial heritage of Belfast it has taken on ownership of the SS Nomadic from April 2015.
Useful links:
• Titanic Belfast: www.titanicbelfast.com
• Belfast City Council: http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events/Event-36148.aspx
• Visit Belfast: http://visitbelfast.com/
• Titanic Quarter: http://www.titanic-quarter.com/news-events
• Tourism Northern Ireland: http://www.tourismni.com/
• Titanic Foundation Limited: http://www.titanic-foundation.org/
For information on Titanic Belfast please contact:
Sarah Hamilton-Cardy, PR and Communications Executive, Titanic Belfast
Tel: +4428 9076 6380 or +447557641097
E: sarahhamiltoncardy@titanicbelfast.com
W: www.titanicbelfast.com
T: @titanicbelfast / FB: www.facebook.com/titanicbelfast