Free Seminar to ‘Kick Off the Games’
21 August 2012
Carrickfergus businesses are being urged to attend a free seminar on Tuesday 28 August which will highlight how to tap into the benefits of the 2013 World Police & Fire Games being held in Northern Ireland.
More than 25,000 competitors and spectators from over 70 countries are expected to descend on Belfast for the Games next year (1-10 August 2013), meaning the demand for accommodation in particular will far outstrip supply, presenting opportunities for areas beyond Belfast to capture visitor spend on accommodation, attractions, eating out and shopping.
Carrickfergus Borough Council is hosting the information seminar on behalf of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, whose Director of Business Development, Ross Fothergill, will be among the speakers. Others will include those directly involved in organising the Games, with all focussed on explaining the business and customer service training opportunities and how to avail of them. Also on the programme will be information about the variety of ways to become a sponsor of the Games.
Ahead of the event Mr Fothergill commented:
“Bringing the World Police & Fire Games to Northern Ireland in 2013 is a tremendous boost and will build on the gains achieved through the NI2012 “Our Time, Our Place” campaign. Due to the Games’ scale it is important that businesses beyond Belfast get ready to capitalise on the economic returns that increased visitor numbers can bring.”
Welcoming the event, the Mayor of Carrickfergus, Alderman Billy Ashe, said:
“This is a great opportunity for our tourism, leisure and retail businesses, providing the chance to put questions to the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and organisers of the World Police and Fire Games directly and to start exploring ways in which they can benefit from the associated economic opportunities. I would encourage as many businesses as possible to attend”.
The event will take place on Tuesday 28 August 10.30am to 1.30pm in the Dobbs Room, Town Hall, Carrickfergus. The event is free to attend and a complimentary lunch will be provided. Participants must register to attend by contacting Carrickfergus Tourist Information Centre on 028 9335 8049 or by email touristinfo@carrickfergus.org
For further information please contact:
Sharon Degnan
Telephone: 028 9335 8049
