The Events Industry in Northern Ireland has a major role to play in shaping and delivering the objectives set out by the Draft Tourism Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2020
Whether it is home-grown events, or major one-off internationals, events in general have the capacity to showcase our people and places on a global stage. Events can drive visitor numbers, generate increased spend and also provide platforms for the visitor to interact with the local culture, local people and explore our scenic landscapes and cities.
The Events Unit's vision is to support the development of the Northern Ireland Events Industry, in order to grow visitor numbers and spend in line with the Draft Tourism Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2020.
Support for Events Industry
The main support mechanism available for the Events Industry is the Tourism Event Funding Programme, an annual funding programme designed to support International and National Tourism Events.
The Tourism Event Funding Programme for events occurring between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2014 has now closed.
Should you wish to receive information on this programme and other Events related matters, please complete the Register for Updates below.
The Tourism Event Funding Programme Has Now Closed.
There are two funds available:
The International Tourism Events Fund: This fund supports events that attract out-of-state visitors (not participants) to Northern Ireland where the event has played a key influencing role in attracting them to visit. An International Event will showcase Northern Ireland on a global stage as a unique tourism destination. It will generate significant media coverage both pre, during and after the event which showcases our scenic landscapes, unmissable visitor attractions and authentic characters.
The National Tourism Events Fund: This fund is designed to support events that attract out-of-state visitors who are already visiting Northern Ireland, with the key aim of extending their stay, encouraging them to spend more and allowing them to enjoy an unforgettable Northern Ireland experience. A National Tourism event would also generate positive media coverage, particularly during the event and post-event. This media coverage should again showcase Northern Ireland as a unique tourism destination with particular emphasis on highlighting the stories of our people and places.
- 16 Steps16 Simple Steps to becoming Visitor Inspired.
Further Information
Non-Financial Support
NITB supports the NI events industry through non-financial channels by developing programmes to encourage event improvement and growth, providing in-kind marketing support developing and implementing the Northern Ireland Events Plan and leading the Northern Ireland events industry by encouraging best practice and positive growth. For more information please contact NITB's Events Unit on
Tel: 028 9044 1599
Email: eventsunit@nitb.com
In Any Event
In Any Event is a not-for-profit independent trade association for the Northern Ireland events industry. The organisation’s role is to act as a strong voice for the local event’s industry and to champion the interests of everyone who operates within it. That includes event organisers, venues and destinations, service providers, and the local authorities, organisations, associations and agencies that draw on their services. For more information contact In Any Event:
Tel: 028 9039 3472
Email: info@in-anyevent.co.uk