Titanic Belfast named Best Attraction in Europe

Titanic Belfast has beaten Buckingham Palace, The Eiffel Tower and The Colosseum to be named Europe’s Leading Visitor Attraction at the prestigious World Travel Awards in Sardinia.

It is the first time an attraction in Northern Ireland has won the award at the ceremony in its 23-year history.

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 again exceeded visitor number expectations. This milestone came during a record-breaking August, as the visitor attraction experienced its busiest day to date.

Titanic Belfast chief executive, Tim Husbands, says he’s “absolutely thrilled” with the win:

“After only four years in operation, to be recognised and beat off stiff competition from Europe’s most iconic landmarks is a true honour,” he adds. “We know what we offer at Titanic Belfast is something our city and country can be proud of and are so pleased that this has been recognised on an international level.”

First Minister Arlene Foster, says that Titanic Belfast is now a global brand and that its designation as Europe’s leading visitor attraction is “well deserved”:

“I had the privilege as Tourism Minister of being involved with the project since its inception, and this award is further proof that the investment and imagination that went into this attraction keeps paying dividends for the whole of Northern Ireland,” she adds.

The award adds to Titanic Belfast list of accolades as it was recently included in Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travelist, which features 500 of the world’s most striking locations and includes everything from imposing temples to hidden gems.

Our picture shows First Minister Arlene Foster as she joins celebrations with Titanic Belfast’s vice-chairman Conal Harvey (left) and chief executive, Tim Husbands MBE.