5th September
Awards, NI Tourism, Titanic Belfast, Visitor Experience
Titanic Belfast is delighted to have been 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.
The award, which comes following a very successful August, during which we welcomed our
three-millionth visitor, and experienced our busiest month since opening, saw us beat off stiff competition 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.
Our 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.”
While Kerrie Sweeney, Chief Executive of Titanic Foundation Ltd, the charity who preserve Belfast’s maritime and industrial heritage, noted,
“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.”
The team at Titanic Belfast would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported and voted for us!