A NEW initiative has been launched in a bid to bring higher profile business events to Newry.
The city’s chamber of commerce has joined with Visit Belfast, Invest NI and Tourism NI to set up a new ‘ambassador circle’ for the Newry, Mourne and south Down region.
Originally set up by Visit Belfast 20 years ago, the ambassador network is made up of around 1,200 professionals across academia, medicine and the broader business world, who work with the tourism body to attract major conferences to primarily Belfast and Derry.
Visit Belfast credits the network with helping generate an estimated £400 million for the north’s economy.
A new drive will seek to develop a Newry-focused ambassador circle to raise the city’s international profile and boost the tourism and hospitality sector.
Visit Belfast chief Gerry Lennon said the majority of business events that Belfast has hosted in recent times came via the network.
“Business events drive revenue for the tourism and hospitality sector, but crucially they help to promote the region as a place to work, live, study and invest and I’m delighted that Newry is supporting this important, strategic partnership to continue the great work which has been achieved.”
It comes as the area is set for an investment of around £200m under the Belfast Region City Deal.
President of Newry Chamber, Julie Gibbons has encouraged local businesses to get involved.
“Newry is well known for its strong, vibrant and forward looking business community and for its readiness to work collaboratively for the benefit of the local and regional economy.
“Working with Visit Belfast, Invest NI, Tourism NI, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council advances our aims to support local business growth and development in every sector, including hospitality and tourism, while raising the profile of the Newry City region at home and abroad.”
Mark Bleakney, Invest Northern Ireland’s Southern Regional Manager, said: “Hosting business events provides an opportunity to showcase the local area as a place to invest and do business.
“This can lead to legacy benefits such as helping to grow trade, stimulate innovation and attract investment through contacts made at business events.
“The Ambassador Circle provides a great opportunity to raise the profile of Newry, and support the local economy, by attracting more business events to the area.”
