Belfast is to host the 2023 UKinbound annual convention.
The award by the trade association follows a bid by Tourism Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Visit Belfast.
The event is to be held on September 20-21 next year at Belfast’s Assembly Buildings in the heart of the city.
Almost 300 businesses from across the UK’s inbound tourism sector are expected to attend.
A range of familiarisation trips will be organised for delegates in addition to industry debates and workshops.
UKinbound chief executive Joss Croft said: “We are beyond excited to announce that Belfast and its surrounding counties will be the destination of our annual convention next year.
“With unique and iconic attractions such as The Titanic Experience, Game of Thrones Studio Tour together with outstanding heritage sites such as Glenarm Castle and famous natural sites such as the Unesco World Heritage Site – The Giant’s Causeway in addition to fantastic food and drink – there is so much to see and do in this part of the UK. We can’t wait to help showcase it to our members.
“The bid from Tourism Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Visit Belfast was outstanding and there is a real energy and enthusiasm to work with the UK travel trade and increase the number of international tourists to the city.
“I know that together we will organise and host an outstanding and special event for our delegates.”
Tourism Ireland chief executive Niall Gibbons added: “It is a tremendous honour that Belfast has been selected as the venue for the 2023 UKinbound annual convention.
“This annual convention, as well as the pre and post familiarisation visits here, present a superb opportunity to showcase Belfast and Northern Ireland to nearly 300 top global inbound tour operators and buyers, who deliver business from all over the world, including the United States and the Middle East – helping to secure a greater share of their business for Northern Ireland in 2023 and beyond.”