Titanic Hotel, Belfast

The quantity and quality of hotel expansions and openings happening right now in Northern Ireland raises the bar for the entire hotel industry. This exciting course of events is well-timed for anyone planning a meeting, conference or event in the region. Choice is one of the critical success factors when considering a location and more importantly — determining where to host an event.

The burgeoning hotel sector in Northern Ireland is keen to meet the challenge of the meeting and incentive market,” said Northern Ireland Hotels Federation Chief Executive Janice Gault. “The diversity and breadth of product puts the region firmly on the map with an unheralded opportunity in the discerning business market.

Belfast: gaining momentum 

The Belfast hotel industry follows suit with international brands such as the AC by Marriott Hotel and Hampton by Hilton; both due to open in early 2018. These openings will add to an already well invested hotel product in Belfast, where the greater part of the growth is pole positioned.

The situation is gathering speed with local leading lights like Hastings Hotels, which will open Northern Ireland’s largest hotel, the Grand Central Hotel, in June 2018.

Likewise, the Dalata Hotel Group will open its fourth hotel in Northern Ireland with the Maldron Belfast City Centre opening in Spring 2018.

Alongside other comparable growths and developments, the Belfast city hotel industry will lay claim to close on 5,000 bedrooms by the end of 2018.

Hotel openings: setting the bar

The largest part of the project is close to the highest standard; specifically, the four star classification, with the minority in the corporate branded, three/four star grouping. Just this year alone, three hotels have opened their doors: Bullitt Hotel themed around the iconic Steve McQueen film; Bishop’s Gate Hotel, a former gentleman’s club in Derry-Londonderry with a rich heritage; and Shipquay Hotel a boutique townhouse fronting onto the Old City Walls and Derry's eminent Guildhall.

The Northern Ireland hotel industry’s competitive advantage is further strengthened with further developments namely the Titanic Hotel Belfast, which opened in September 2017. This hotel will give its guest the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dine in the drawing room where the infamous ship was designed. Long-term, a George Best Hotel is in the works as well as the planned opening of Killeavy Castle on the Ring of Gullion.

Contact the Meet in Ireland Team today for more information on the world class accommodation available all over the island of Ireland.