In the recent World Travel Awards, Northern Ireland’s Titanic Belfast attraction took home the leading prize, beating the likes of the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Colosseum in Rome.
The tourist spot in the Irish city was named Europe’s leading visitor attraction at the awards, which were held on the island of Sardinia in early September.
Also an architectural marvel, the centre remembers the doomed ocean liner that was built in Belfast over 100 years ago. The cruise ship sank on its maiden transatlantic voyage from Southampton to New York in 1912. Titanic Belfast was opened four years ago on the slipways in Belfast’s Docks where the ship was built. In August, the attraction welcomed its three millionth visitor.
“This is a true honour,” Titanic Belfast’s chief executive Tim Husbands told The Irish News. “We know what we offer at Titanic Belfast is something our city and country can be proud of and are delighted that this has been recognised on an international level.
It is the first time a visitor centre in Northern Ireland has won the award, known in the travel industry as the tourism “Oscars”. For travellers looking for an exciting solo holiday, the city of Belfast has a great deal of history, culture and passion to offer visitors. It is especially nice during the city’s Christmastime celebrations.
“In just four short years Titanic Belfast has become a global brand which has put Northern Ireland on the map for all the right reasons, and this official confirmation that it is now Europe’s leading tourist attraction is well deserved,” said Northern Ireland’s First Minister Arlene Foster. “The award is further proof that the investment and imagination that went into this attraction keeps paying dividends for the whole of Northern Ireland.”
Image Credit: Nico Kaiser (flickr.com)
