The scheme provides financial support to attract corporate and incentive events across Northern Ireland that take place between 1st April 2023 and 31st March 2024. The scheme aims to drive tourism recovery and attract events to the region that showcase what Northern Ireland has to offer as a world-class business hub and destination. The support scheme is funded by Tourism Northern Ireland and will be administered by Visit Belfast in partnership with Visit Derry.
The scheme is open to corporate and incentive events with a minimum of 100 out of state bednights. The Awards are £2,500 to support events. Funding can be used on venue costs, exhibition marking, pre-conference marketing costs, delegate transfer costs and speakers.
In 2019, Derry hosted its largest ever conference. The New Conference Support Scheme offers up the potential for Derry to build on this legacy. Derry is home to iconic tourist attractions such as the only intact historic Walled City, all things Derry Girls, award winning museums and some of the greatest outdoor festivals in the world.
Tourism alone contributes over £50m the local economy in the North West. This scheme will see this figure grow as it showcases the North West as a dynamic business destination. Derry is a hub for exploring Ireland’s North West giving visitors access to the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route. Derry’s bustling nightlife offers a contrast to the tranquility of the surrounding region.
Derry’s compact size creates a natural Conference Village framed by the 17th Century City Walls, all easily accessible by foot. From contemporary venues and residential properties to historic buildings and quirky spaces there is something to suit every requirement. Named by Lonely Planet as a Top 10 City in the World, Derry is the ideal location for a conference that balances affordability, accessibility and vibrant culture, and this fund creates huge potential for more people to discover Derry.
Applications are open now! Link HERE for more information on the scheme.
