The International Convention Centre Belfast (ICC Belfast), together with sister entertainment venue the Waterfront Hall, has been awarded the Green Meetings Gold Award, accredited by Green Tourism.
The Green Meetings Gold Award is acknowledged worldwide as the industry standard for exceptional environmental and sustainability practices.
ICC Belfast has become the first purpose-built conference venue on the island of Ireland to receive the accolade.
‘Sustainability Credentials’
“We have invested significant time and effort into reducing our environmental impact and enhancing our sustainability credentials, alongside our partners Hospitality Belfast and Mitie,” said Julia Corkey, chief executive at ICC Belfast | Waterfront Hall | Ulster Hall.
“Sustainability is a hugely important subject in the business events industry, and our credentials in this space are relevant to decision-makers when choosing venues and destinations.”
Best Conference Destination
In 2021, ICC Belfast launched its sustainability policy, which outlined 11 commitments aligned to eight of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
It is estimated that, by hosting events such as conferences and conventions in Northern Ireland, it is on track to deliver £120 million (€138.6 million) to the local economy this year, through sales, marketing, and visitor-servicing activity.
In October this year, Belfast was officially named the world’s best conference destination at the Conference & Incentive Travel (C&IT) Awards in London.
‘Green Tourism Certification’
“Belfast continues to thrive as the sustainable destination of choice on the island of Ireland, with more than 100 Belfast hotels, attractions and restaurants committed to sustainable tourism through the Green Tourism certification and awards programme,” said Jac Callan, senior sustainability and impact manager at Visit Belfast.
“This award is another step towards our goal of making this region an inclusive, zero-emission, climate-resilient economy within a generation.”
