Development (Tourism and Promotion of Belfast) Sub-Committee 8 February 2006
From Nigov
D667
Wednesday, 8th February, 2006
MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT (TOURISM AND PROMOTION OF BELFAST) SUB-COMMITTEE
Members present: Councillor D. Dodds (Chairman); and Councillors Adamson, Crozier, Hartley, Hendron, Humphrey, McCarthy, McCoubrey, Mhic Giolla Mhín, Mullaghan and Patterson.
In attendance: Ms. O. Murtagh, Tourism Development Manager; Mr. G. Copeland, Events Manager; and Mr. B. Flynn, Committee Administrator.
Apologies
Apologies for inability to attend were reported from Councillors M. Browne and P. Maskey.
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting of 11th January, copies of which had previously been circulated, were taken as read and signed as correct.
Christmas 2005 Post-Event Report
The Sub-Committee considered further the minute of 11th January under the heading “Christmas 2005 – Post Event Report”, which, at the request of Councillor McCarthy had been taken back by the Council at its meeting on 1st February. A copy of the minute in this regard is set out hereunder:
“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”.
After discussion, the Sub-Committee agreed to affirm its decision of 11th January. It was noted that a report providing a breakdown of the costs associated with the 2006 event would be presented for consideration at its meeting in March.
Cultural Tourism Visitor Management Plan – Extension to Tender
The Sub-Committee considered further the minute of the meeting of 11th January, under the heading “Cultural Tourism Visitor Management Plan – Extension to Tender” which, at the request of Councillor Mullaghan, had been taken back to the Sub-Committee for further consideration by the Council at its meeting on 1st February. A copy of the minute in that regard is set out hereunder:
“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.”
After discussion, the Sub-Committee agreed to affirm its decision to provide £55,500 towards the installation of signage in the Titanic Quarter.
Evening Economy
The Tourism Development Manager reminded the Sub-Committee that, at its meeting on 14th September, it had approved the contents of the Belfast Evening Economy Action Plan which would seek to develop the above-mentioned Initiative within the City.
It was reported that a Tourism Development Officer for the Initiative had been appointed in September and that she had developed a marketing campaign which was aimed at both residents and visitors. In addition, work was undergoing currently to increase the levels of street entertainment and outdoor performances during the early evening period. A number of special events had been organised, including a Friendship Festival, a Carnival Parade and a Restaurant Month. It was pointed out also that live music would be provided as part of an event to be known as “Celebrate Fridays: Celebrate Belfast”. Outdoor exhibitions of art, literary readings, storytelling and a busking competition were planned also. A number of open nights at various venues throughout the City were to be held in 2006 and these would include “Behind the Scenes Tours” of well known locations, such as the Linen Hall Library, the Belfast Waterfront Hall, the City Hall and the Grand Opera House. In order to facilitate the holding of these events, a Steering Group had been established, the first meeting of which was scheduled to be held on Wednesday, 1st March.
After discussion, during which the Sub-Committee agreed that the Chairman (Councillor Doods) and the Deputy Chairman (Councillor Hartley) (or their nominees) be authorised to attend future meetings of the Steering Group, the Sub-Committee agreed to note the contents of the report.
Cultural Tourism – BRO Action Plan Funding
The Tourism Development Manager advised the Sub-Committee that an application to the Belfast Regeneration Office to co-ordinate, support and implement a programme of community tourism initiatives across the City, was currently being considered and that a full report thereon would be submitted for the Sub‑Committee’s consideration at its meeting in March.
Noted.
International Requests
Sister City Linkage with Sunyani, Ghana
The Tourism Development Manager reported that a request had been received from a Mr. Chris Forsythe seeking to establish a Sister City linkage between Belfast and the City of Sunyani in Ghana. She advised the Members that, after due consideration, it had been decided that the request did not comply with the criteria for establishing international relations (This should be requested under Freedom of Information) and it was, therefore, recommended that the request be declined.
The Sub-Committee adopted the recommendation.
Invitation to Dallas, Texas
The Sub-Committee was advised that an invitation had been received from Mr. Philip Lowry, President of the Dallas Irish American Society, inviting a representative of the Sub-Committee to participate in its St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2006 and to deliver a presentation on the City of Belfast with a view to promoting the positive measures which had been taken to enhance its potential.
The Tourism Development Manager reminded the Sub-Committee that marketing initiatives regarding the promotion of Belfast were undertaken currently by the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau and she recommended that the invitation be referred to that organisation for consideration.
The Sub-Committee agreed to this course of action.
Belfast Tourism Showcase – Rome 16th – 18th March, 2006
The Tourism Development Manager reminded the Members that a Belfast Tourism Showcase, organised by the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau, was due to be held in Rome from 16th till 18th March. She reminded Members that the airline Easyjet operated five flights per week between Rome and Belfast, with the vast majority of passenger traffic on this service emanating from Belfast and, with that in mind, the Tourism Development Manager indicated that the aim of the Showcase in Rome was to promote the City as:
- a Citybreak destination;
- a gateway to Northern Ireland;
- an alternative gateway to the Island of Ireland; and
- a suitable venue for special interest travellers such as English language schools.
Accordingly, she recommended that the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman, together with the Head of Economic Initiatives (or their nominees), be authorised to attend the Showcase. She indicated that the cost per person of attending the event, including flights, accommodation, attendance allowances and subsistence, would be approximately of £1,640 per person.
After discussion, the Sub-Committee agreed to adopt the recommendation.
Conference Subventions
Western European Regional CINP Conference, 2nd – 4th April, 2006
The Tourism Development Manager advised the Sub-Committee that the above‑mentioned Conference would be held at the Queen’s University of Belfast from 2nd till 4th April. The organisers had indicated that approximately 320 persons, the majority of whom would be staying in hotel accommodation throughout the City would be participating in the Conference. The application had been assessed in accordance with the agreed funding criteria and, accordingly, she recommended, as the Conference would enhance the image of the City as an international conference and leisure destination, that a subvention in the sum £1,000 be allocated towards the costs associated with the hosting of the Conference.
The Sub-Committee adopted the recommendation.
Association of Inner Wheel Clubs Conference, 20th – 22nd March, 2006
The Sub-Committee was advised that the above-mentioned Conference, which was being organised by the Association of Inner Wheel Clubs, would be held in Belfast from 20th till 22nd March. The organisers had indicated that the event would attract approximately 2,100 persons, the majority of whom would be staying in hotel accommodation throughout the City. The Tourism Development Manager stated that the application had been assessed in accordance with the agreed funding criteria (This should be requested under Freedom of Information) and accordingly she recommended that a subvention in the sum of £7,000 be allocated to facilitate the hosting of the Conference.
The Sub-Committee adopted the recommendation.
BBC Proms in the Park – Second Night Concert
The Events Manager advised the Sub-Committee that he had been informed by the British Broadcasting Corporation that it would not be seeking to host a second night of events in the City Hall grounds as part of the Proms in the Park production. Accordingly, he pointed out that that item had been withdrawn from the agenda.
Noted.
Northern Ireland Science Park – Request for Loan of Council’s “Titanic at Home Exhibition”
The Events Manager reported that he had received from representatives of the Northern Ireland Science Park a request for the temporary loan of the Council’s “Titanic at Home Exhibition”. He reminded the Sub-Committee that, at the meeting of the Development Committee in October, 2005, it had been agreed that a sum of £100,000 be allocated towards the renovation of the Thompson Dry Dock and Pump House within the Titanic Quarter. The sponsor of that project was the Northern Ireland Science Park and that organisation had requested the loan of a number of artefacts from the “Titanic at Home Exhibition” in order to enhance the appearance of the Dry Dock by way of the erection of panels, imagery and display material from the Exhibition. He indicated that the loan of such memorabilia would not impact upon the Council’s Annual Titanic Exhibition, which was held during the Easter period.
After discussion, the Sub-Committee agreed, subject to the completion of an agreement to be prepared by the Director of Legal Services, to provide a number of artefacts from the “Titanic at Home Exhibition” on a temporary loan basis, to the Northern Ireland Science Park.
Maritime Festival 2006
The Events Manager reminded the Sub-Committee that, at its meeting in April, 2004, it had agreed to stage a Maritime Festival in July, 2006. He reminded Members also that the event would be staged in partnership with a number of private sector bodies and would involve the Council’s Community and Recreation Department. The Festival would be based around Donegall Quay, Queen’s Quay, Clarendon Dock and the Odyssey Complex.
The Sub-Committee was reminded that, in 2005, the British Broadcasting Corporation had hosted the Lagan Live event and that subsequently the Events Manager had been approached by representatives of that organisation with a view to holding a similar event during 2006. He reported that the British Broadcasting Corporation had proposed to stage the event in Custom House Square in conjunction with the Maritime Festival over the weekend of Friday, 30th June till Sunday, 2nd July. He reminded the Sub-Committee that the Maritime Festival had a budget allocation of £200,000, £15,000 of which would have been required to be allocated towards the hosting of the music festival contained within the programme.
Accordingly, since the music element of the event would be undertaken by the British Broadcasting Corporation, he recommended that the Sub-Committee authorise the allocation of a sum of £10,000 towards the costs associated with the staging of the event.
After discussion, the Sub-Committee adopted the recommendation of the Events Manager.
Chairman
