Get the most out of the Police & Fire Games

More than 25,000 competitors and spectators from over 70 countries are expected to descend on Belfast for the Games next year (August 1 - 10), meaning the demand for accommodation in particular will far outstrip supply, presenting opportunities for areas beyond Belfast to capture visitor spend on accommodation, attractions, eating out and shopping.

Carrickfergus Council is hosting the information seminar on behalf of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, whose Director of Business Development, Ross Fothergill, will be among the speakers. Others will include those directly involved in organising the Games, with all focussed on explaining the business and customer service training opportunities and how to avail of them. Also on the programme will be information about the variety of ways to become a sponsor of the Games.

Speaking ahead of the event, Mr Fothergill commented: “Bringing the World Police & Fire Games to Northern Ireland in 2013 is a tremendous boost and will build on the gains achieved through the NI2012 ‘Our Time, Our Place’ campaign. Due to the Games’ scale it is important that businesses beyond Belfast get ready to capitalise on the economic returns that increased visitor numbers can bring.”

Welcoming the event, Mayor Billy Ashe said: “This is a great opportunity for our tourism, leisure and retail businesses, providing the chance to put questions to the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and organisers of the World Police and Fire Games directly and to start exploring ways in which they can benefit from the associated economic opportunities. I would encourage as many businesses as possible to attend.”

The event will take place on Tuesday, August 28 between 10.30am and 1.30pm in the Dobbs Room at the Town Hall. The event is free to attend and a complimentary lunch will be provided.

Participants must register to attend by contacting Carrickfergus Tourist Information Centre on 028 9335 8049 or by emailing [email protected]