18 Feb 2025
Winners of inaugural Inclusive Tourism Awards announced
Six venues and visitor experiences in Belfast have been recognised for their work to support disabled visitors at the city’s inaugural Inclusive Tourism Awards.
The award winners were announced today during an Embrace the Inclusive Spirit seminar at Titanic Belfast.
Organised by Belfast City Council in partnership with Tourism Northern Ireland, Visit Belfast and Titanic Belfast, the seminar is part of ongoing work to support the city’s tourism sector and explore new markets.
More than 120 operators, hospitality providers, policy makers and event organisers attended the seminar where they heard from guest speakers including Anthony Sinclair, founder of Sign Source, Carrie-Ann Lightley, an accessibility blogger and Jamie Shields, co-founder of Disabled by Society.
Guests also enjoyed a performance from the Open Arts NI community choir.
Following a public vote, the Black Box was recognised for Going the Extra Mile, Titanic Belfast was named as providing the Most Useful Visitor Information and 2 Royal Avenue picked up the prize for Warmest Welcome.
The Best Stay award went to the Balmoral Hotel Belfast, while Belfast International Arts Festival was named the Most Inclusive Experience.
In addition, the Grand Opera House, Belfast received the panel’s Award for Outstanding Contribution.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, said: “We want to ensure Belfast is welcoming to everyone who visits us, so it’s great to hear how local venues and experiences are embracing this goal by putting inclusivity and accessibility at the very heart of their offering.
“Well done to all the award winners for doing everything they can to make sure all their visitors enjoy a great experience and feel valued as individuals.”
Jamie Shields, co-founder of Disabled by Society, said: "The purple pound is worth $13 trillion a year worldwide, so why wouldn’t we want to welcome disabled visitors?
“Belfast is renowned worldwide for its friendly people - why would we not extend that welcome to disabled people? Making all our visitors welcome is good for Belfast and good for business.”
The Embrace the Inclusive Spirit programme is part of Belfast City Council’s Make Yourself at Home, a 10-year tourism plan which recognises the sector’s role as a key economic driver for the city and wider region.
The plan provides resources and training for tourism and hospitality businesses to help with improving inclusivity.
These include a practical support toolkit, online training videos, access to masterclasses where businesses can chat to service users and test drive ideas, and suggested itineraries for disabled visitors, based on recommendations from local residents with disabilities.
Eimear Callaghan, Head of Experience and Industry Development at Tourism Northern Ireland, said: “Tourism NI is delighted to once again partner with Belfast City Council to champion the development and promotion of inclusive and accessible tourism.
“Real progress has been made in the area but there still remains much to do. We are world famous for our giant welcome and outstanding visitor experiences and we know from our research that tourism businesses across Northern Ireland want to do more to ensure that welcome is extended to all our guests.
"We look forward to continued collaboration in this area.”
MaryJo McCanny, Director of Visitor Experience and Destination Initiatives at Visit Belfast, said: "Visit Belfast is committed to ensuring the city region is a destination where everyone feels welcome. Inclusivity and accessibility are at the heart of a thriving visitor experience, and we are proud to support initiatives that help businesses create spaces and services that cater to all."
“Visit Belfast is pleased to see all award winners receive recognition for their efforts in driving change, sharing best practices, and inspiring progress. Together with our partners, we can continue to enhance Belfast’s reputation as a city that truly embraces inclusivity.”
Further information about Embrace the Inclusive Spirit is available at belfastcity.gov.uk/tourism