Development (Tourism and Promotion of Belfast) Sub-Committee 11 January 2006
From Nigov
Development Committee
Wednesday, 11th January, 2006
MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT (TOURISM AND PROMOTION OF BELFAST) SUB-COMMITTEE
Members present: Councillor D. Dodds (Chairman); and Councillors Adamson, M. Browne, Hartley, Hendron, Humphrey, P. Maskey, Mhic Giolla Mhín, Mullaghan and Patterson.
In attendance:
- Ms. S. McCay, Head of Economic Initiatives;
- Ms. O. Murtagh, Tourism Development Manager;
- Mr. G. Copeland, Events Manager; and
- Mr. B. Flynn, Committee Administrator.
Apology
An apology for inability to attend was reported from Councillor McCarthy,
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting of 29th November, copies of which had previously been circulated, were taken as read and signed as correct.
Christmas 2005 Post-Event Report
In considering a post-event report regarding Christmas, 2005, the Events Manager informed the Sub-Committee that approximately 18,000 persons had attended the Christmas lights switch-on, the largest attendance to date at the event. He highlighted several other events which had taken place over Christmas including the Continental Market which had been held for an extended period within the grounds of the City Hall and had attracted approximately 125,000 visitors.
During discussion, a number of Members commended the role of the staff of the Events Unit in the delivery of the programme of events. In particular they referred to the role of Mr. G. Copeland and expressed gratitude to him for the professional manner in which he handled the publicity associated with the switching on of the Christmas lights.
After discussion, the Sub-Committee noted the contents of the post-event report and agreed that a figure of £170,000 be allocated to the holding in 2006 of a similar programme of events and the associated appropriate hospitality.
Ulster Irish Dancing Championship 2005 – Post Event Report
The Events Officer provided a post-event report (This should be requested under Freedom of Information) on the Ulster Irish Dancing Championship 2005, indicating that it had attracted 1,300 participants, together with an attendance audience of over 3,000, two-thirds of which come from outside the City. He reported that the estimated economic benefit to the City had been in the region of £1.3 million.
After discussion, the Sub-Committee agreed to note the information which had been provided.
Maritime Festival – 2006
The Sub-Committee noted the contents of a report (This should be requested under Freedom of Information) , copies of which had previously been circulated, outlining the arrangements which had been put in place for the forthcoming Maritime Festival which would be held in the City on 1st and 2nd July.
International Festivals and Events European Conference and Journeys of Expression Conference 2006
The Sub-Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 10th August, it had agreed to host the above-mentioned conferences and had allocated a budget of £20,000 in this regard.
The Head of Economic Initiatives recommended that, as part of the arrangements for the Conference, it would be appropriate to provide hospitality in the form of a welcome reception in the City Hall, together with an end of conference dinner at Belfast Castle. She indicated that the costs associated would be met from within the allocated budget.
After discussion, the Sub-Committee adopted the recommendation of the Head of Economic Initiatives.
Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival – 22nd-26th February, 2006
The Sub-Committee was advised that a request for funding (This should be requested under Freedom of Information) towards the costs associated with the Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival had been received from Panarts, the company organising the event.
The Head of Economic Initiatives reminded the Sub-Committee that Belfast held Sister City Status with the City of Nashville and that entrants to the Festival would be invited to compose songs in either English, Irish or Ulster Scots. Events would take place at community centres and schools in the Greater Belfast area and a number of concerts would be held at venues such as the Odyssey, the Pothouse and W5. Accordingly, she recommended that the Sub-Committee consider allocating a sum of £1,500 towards the hosting of the event and a further £1,500 towards the costs associated with the Festival to be held in 2007.
The Sub-Committee adopted the recommendation.
Cultural Tourism Visitor Management Plan – Extension to Tender
The Sub-Committee was reminded that, at its meeting in March, 2005, it had approved the acceptance of a tender from Image Technical Services for the design, construction and maintenance of signage and interpretive projects as outlined within the Cultural Tourism Visitor Management Plan.
It was reported that a similar project for the installation of pedestrian signage within the Titanic Quarter had been proposed, at a total cost of £222,000, 75% of which would be funded from the European Union’s Peace and Reconciliation Programme. The balance of £55,500 would be contributed by the Council from its Celebrate Belfast and Tourism Budgets.
After discussion, during which the Sub-Committee agreed that, in future, the Department would investigate the feasibility of obtaining sponsorship from the private sector for similar projects, it was agreed that the sum of £55,500 be allocated towards the installation of the signage in the Titanic Quarter.
Antrim Tourism Conference 3rd – 4th February, 2006
It was reported that an invitation had been received for the Council to participate in the above-mentioned Conference which provided an opportunity to meet and network with tourism practitioners from other regions. After discussion, the Sub-Committee agreed that it not be represented at the Conference.
Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau
The Sub-Committee agreed to hold, on a date to be confirmed in conjunction with the Chairman (Councillor D. Dodds), a special meeting at which the representatives of the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau would outline their proposed Marketing and Annual Business Plan for 2006/2007, together with the Belfast Welcome Centre Operational Plan for 2006/2007.
Cultural Tourism
The Sub-Committee agreed to note the contents of a report (This should be requested under Freedom of Information) , copies of which had previously been circulated, which had been prepared by the Head of Economic Initiatives regarding ongoing cultural tourism initiatives. It was agreed also that two Cultural Tourism Network Events, together with the provision of appropriate hospitality, be held in 2006. In addition, it was agreed that a sum of £5,000 be allocated towards the costs associated with the production of a comprehensive restaurant guide for the City.
Chairman
