Routes Europe took place in Belfast in April 2017 and brought £ 1.3m to the city
outes Europe is the leading air service development conference that brings together airlines , airports , tourism authorities and DMOs . Routes provides an opportunity for these partners to meet , negotiate and build relationships that will go on to shape the world ’ s future air route networks .
VisitBelfast , along with funders and stakeholders , made a strategic decision to bid for the event to showcase Northern Ireland ’ s potential to network planners across the globe . This event was a true example of ‘ Team Northern Ireland ’ with 10 public and private bodies involved including : VisitBelfast , Invest Northern Ireland , Tourism Northern Ireland , Belfast City Council , ICC Belfast , The Department for Economy , Tourism Ireland , Belfast International Airport , George Best Belfast City Airport and City of Derry Airport .
Routes Europe in Belfast was a record-breaking event with 5,000 meetings taking place . The 1,200-delegate conference was held over four days at ICC Belfast and yielded an economic impact of £ 1.3m . During the event , there were eight new European routes announced as a direct result of conversations had at the
“ During the event , there were eight new European routes announced as a direct result of conversations had at the conference , with the announcement creating 50 new jobs .”
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conference , Belfast case study with the announcement creating 50 new jobs .
The event performed well in the press , with 97 positive PR articles and the hashtag , # routeseurope trended for the duration . The region ’ s airports were no longer just ‘ business cards ’ at the event they had been attending for many years , they were hosts of the ‘ friendliest ever ’ Routes Europe , showcasing their region and building up their air access networks .
There was a feeling that Routes Europe took over the city region . Working with hundreds of suppliers from print companies to local food producers , this event was felt by the whole of Northern Ireland .
On arrival , delegates were welcomed by friendly volunteers with Routes branded floor stickers , goodie bags and private lounges at both airports and were given executive coach transfers to their hotels . The VIP Programme included a helicopter transfer to Giant ’ s Causeway , private whiskey tasting in Bushmills Distillery and dinner in Hillsborough Castle .
Belfast City Hall was lit up red to reflect the Routes brand colours during the welcome reception and there was a programme of city entertainment on the Sunday night ( historically a quiet evening in the city ) including street performers , fire breathers , live street art , music and dancing . The awards ceremony was held at Titanic Belfast in a roving reception style showcasing local food and drink . Belfast came alive with Routes ’ brand including beermats in the bars , street greeters , pendant banners and flags . There were two organised after parties hosted by the airports which included Crisp sandwich making competitions , Irish dancing , Belfast themed cocktails and where delegates could pull their own pints .
Steven Small , brand director , Routes , commented : “ Northern Ireland were exceptional hosts , winning a lot of hearts and minds along the way .” www . conference-news . co . uk