Theresa Villiers, Member of UK Parliament and chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events, visited Belfast, 30 June, to discuss VisitBelfast’s new Business Events Strategy. The meeting served as an opportunity to explore the potential benefits and economic impact that a robust business events sector could bring to Northern Ireland.
During the meeting, Villiers expressed her admiration for VisitBelfast’s “ambitious and forward-thinking approach” towards attracting high-value business events to Northern Ireland. She commended the team on their comprehensive strategy, designed to position Belfast as a premier destination for conferences and business meetings.
Villiers also recognised the role that a thriving business events sector can play in bolstering the Northern Ireland economy. By attracting international events and fostering connections with industry leaders, such an industry has the potential to drive growth, stimulate job creation, and enhance the region’s reputation as a vibrant hub for business activity. She emphasised the need for strategic support from Westminster to fully leverage this opportunity for Northern Ireland’s economic development.
“It was great to meet up with Visit Belfast. I was really impressed with the ambitious strategy they have developed to bring high-value business events to Northern Ireland. Belfast is a great place for conferences and business meetings and already welcomes visitors from all around the world,” said Villiers.
Reflecting on her role as chair of the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events, Villiers affirmed her commitment to advocating for a thriving events sector in Northern Ireland. She pledged to engage with Ministers in Westminster, highlighting the importance of endorsing and supporting the growth of the business events industry in the region.
By fostering partnerships between government bodies, industry stakeholders, and VisitBelfast, Villiers aims to facilitate the realisation of the strategic vision, which holds enormous potential for Northern Ireland’s economic prosperity.
“If these latest plans are taken forward, they could provide a great boost to the Northern Ireland economy. As chair of the APPG, I will be talking to Ministers in Westminster about the importance of backing a thriving events sector in Northern Ireland,” she added.
