Titanic Belfast Named Best Attraction in Europe

Monday 05 September 2016

Titanic Belfast, the world's largest Titanic visitor experience, located on the spot where the famous liner was built and launched, has been named as Europe's Leading Visitor Attraction at the prestigious World Travel Awards held in Sardinia, Italy, last night.

Titanic Belfast beat off stiff competition from the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, La Sagrada Familia, Spain, The Eiffel Tower, France, Acropolis, Athens, Buckingham Palace, England, Ribeira do Porto, Portugal, and The Roman Colosseum, Italy for the top spot.It is also the first-time an attraction from Northern Ireland has won the accolade in its 23 year history.

Titanic Belfast Chief Executive, Tim Husbands MBE, commented, "We are absolutely thrilled to be Europe's Best Tourist Attraction and to bring the award back to Ireland! After only four years in operation, to be recognised and beat off stiff competition from Europe's most iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Roman Colosseum is a true honour. We know what we offer at Titanic Belfast is special - the enduring story of Titanic and the appeal of its home where she was designed and built captures hearts and minds throughout the world. We are pleased that we are recognised world-wide as the ultimate Titanic Experience and a must-see for anyone visiting Belfast, Northern Ireland and Ireland. We would like to thank everyone who has supported and voted for us."

Since opening in 2012, Titanic Belfast has established itself as a world-class attraction on the local, national and international stage, and continues to go from strength to strength. Last month, it welcomed its three-millionth visitor, having once again exceeded visitor number expectations. This milestone came during a record-breaking August, as the visitor attraction experienced its busiest day to date.

The world-class attraction has welcomed many VIP guests includes Her Majesty The Queen, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, TITANIC director James Cameron, the discovery of Titanic, Dr Robert Ballard, Taoiseach Enda Kenny and, as well as celebrities including Adele and Michael Bublé, to name a few.

It is home to some of the most significant Titanic artefacts, including the last letter ever to be written on board the Titanic by Essex-born Esther Hart and her seven-year-old daughter Eva and the SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line artefact.

The award adds to Titanic Belfast accolades as it was recently included in Lonely Planet's Ultimate Travelist of 500 of the world's most striking locations, featuring everything from imposing temples to hidden gems, after only three years in operation. For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

About Titanic Belfast
Titanic Belfast is an iconic six-floor building featuring nine interpretive and interactive galleries that explore the sights, sounds, smells and stories of Titanic, as well as the City and people which made her. It is the World's Largest Titanic exhibition.

The building houses temporary exhibits, a banqueting suite, education and community facilities, catering and retail space, and a basement car park. Visitors learn about the construction of RMS Titanic and the wide and rich story of Northern Ireland's industrial and maritime heritage.

Supported by the Northern Ireland Executive, Titanic Belfast is a unique public/private partnership funded by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Belfast City Council, Belfast Harbour and Titanic Quarter Ltd. It is operated by Titanic Belfast Ltd and owned by the Titanic Foundation Ltd.

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For information on Titanic Belfast please contact:

Sarah Hamilton-Cardy
PR and Communications Executive, Titanic Belfast
Tel: +4428 9076 6380 or +447557641097
E: sarahhamiltoncardy@titanicbelfast.com
W: www.titanicbelfast.com
T: @titanicbelfast
FB: www.facebook.com/titanicbelfast

For more information contact:

VisitBritain Media Team

pressandpr@visitbritain.com

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Titanic Belfast - Europe’s Leading Visitor Attraction at the prestigious World Travel Awards 2016, Sardinia