Visit Belfast chair Kathryn Thompson and CEO Gerry Lennon

At a virtual event this morning Visit Belfast officials laid out their 3-year strategy for economic recovery of tourism in the City of Belfast once the COVID-19 pandemic is under control.

Central to Visit Belfast's recovery plan is a partnership-led approach aimed at re-engaging with key source markets in a more sustainable and resilient way.

Increased collaboration across communities and neighborhoods would be a key feature of the new plan.

Financial goal is to put £330M into the Belfast region's economy by spring 2024.

Visit Belfast chair Kathryn Thompson said:

"Belfast is a resilient city, and while COVID-19 has struck tourism hard, we believe that by focussing on environmental sustainability, inclusive growth and greater industry collaboration and support, together we can drive tourism renewal and recovery which benefits every tourism partner in every community. As the region's gateway for tourism, and a shop window for further investment, Belfast's tourism recovery is pivotal not just for the city but for all of Northern Ireland."

In 2019, tourism contributed £417M to the economy of Belfast and supported 22,000 jobs.