VisitBritain’s largest annual travel trade event is to be held in Northern Ireland in 2020. Belfast will stage the ‘Explore Great Britain (GB) and Northern Ireland’ event on 18-20 May. Hundreds of international buyers are expected to meet travel industry suppliers from across the UK during the event.

Countries to be represented include Australia, France, Germany and the US along with Brazil, Canada, China, India and the Middle East. Previous destinations to host the event, held annually since 2014, include Harrogate, Newcastle/Gateshead, Brighton, Liverpool and Ascot.

John McGrillen, chief executive of Tourism Northern Ireland said: “Winning this very prestigious bid to host VisitBritain’s premier travel trade event presents a huge opportunity for Northern Ireland. More than 200 highly influential international buyers from more than 30 countries will experience the best of Northern Ireland’s tourism and hospitality offering next May and discover first-hand what the destination has to offer their international visitors.”

Helen Whately, tourism minister of UK said: “The tourism industry is one of our nation’s greatest strengths and its benefits are felt economically and socially in every corner of the UK. Belfast is a fantastic city and offers visitors from around the world a huge array of things to do and see.”

Sally Balcombe, chief executive of VisitBritain said: “From its world-class museums, iconic maritime history and stunning parklands to its thriving arts, music and culinary scene, Belfast is a fantastic destination to highlight the breadth and quality of our tourism offer to international buyers.”