Become a BVCB member

What BVCB can offer you 

Currently BVCB represents 500+ businesses from Belfast and across Northern Ireland, including accommodation providers, visitor attractions, tour operators, air/sea carriers, retailers, the hospitality industry etc.
The Bureau also manage the three main tourist information centres in Belfast - Belfast Welcome Centre, situated in the heart of the city centre, and tourist information desks at Belfast International Airport  and George Best Belfast City Airport.

We offer our members:

 

• The only full-scale marketing and promotion for the Greater Belfast area.
  Aggressive marketing of Belfast nationally and internationally to conference and convention planners, travel trade companies and the travelling public.
• Access to exclusive directories, mailing lists and labels.
• Inclusion on BVCB’s website @ www.gotobelfast.com
• Leads on incoming tour groups and events.
• Priority display of your literature and opportunities to advertise in the Belfast Welcome Centre as well as at the information desks at both Belfast International and George Best Belfast City Airports.
• Opportunities to brief Belfast Welcome Centre staff on your products
• Regular distribution of the Whatabout Guide and BVCB collateral
• Bi-monthly membership mailing and monthly membership ezine with quick and relevant industry news, offers and marketing opportunities for your business.
• Joint marketing initiatives and subsidised participation opportunities in a range of marketing activities including attendance at trade and consumer exhibitions.
• A membership sticker that lets visitors know that they will receive a special welcome at your establishment.
• An integrated marketing and communications strategy that positions the city as a viable and exciting tourism destination.
• Plus…opportunities to jointly advertise with BVCB, automatic listings in our visitor publications and member-only networking events, etc.

Becoming a BVCB Member

Membership truly knows no boundaries: From restaurants to retailers, small businesses to corporations – there is a place for everyone at the BVCB. No matter their scope or size, ALL BUSINESSES CAN BENEFIT. Members drive BVCB – our focus is on inclusion and ongoing consultation with our membership base.

What Sort of Exposure Will My Business Receive?

Your degree of participation can be tailored to your needs. Exposure in BVCB publications can be enhanced through member reduced advertising rates and sponsorship opportunities. You decide on your level!

As a Member What Am I Automatically Included in?

•  Belfast Visitor Guide – the Official Visitor & Accommodation Guide printed annually. This is the main piece of collateral that is used to promote Belfast in the national and international markets, as well as being widely distributed around the city.  All members have the opportunity to advertise within this publication.
• Whatabout - the Definitive Belfast City Guide - published 6 times a year. Widely distributed across the city and beyond, the guide provides an overview of things to do, places to go, where to eat and drink in Belfast and beyond.  All leisure members receive a listing within this guide and have the opportunity to advertise within this publication.
• Belfast City Visitor Map – all BVCB accommodation, visitor attraction, restaurant, bar and club members receive a pinpoint listing.
• Belfast & Northern Ireland Meetings & Conference Guide
• – (relevant members only) our official business marketing guide is distributed to meeting planners and convention organisers internationally, who are key decision makers that need products and services for their convention. Published biennially.

www.gotobelfast.com

All leisure members receive a listing on www.gotobelfast.com – BVCB’s spectacular website provides an excellent platform to promote your business. The site attracts in excess of 5m hits per month and 80,000 unique visitors.

What will membership give me?

You will be entitled to:

• Leads, services and publications to which only BVCB’s network is privy.
• Confidential Convention Calendar
  A listing available exclusively through BVCB – filled with key information on future conventions.
• Joint Marketing Initiatives
  The BVCB will keep you abreast of all its advertising and marketing plans throughout the year, bringing you numerous opportunities to participate in and have your company share in the joint benefits.
• Familiarisation Visits
  These are hosted by BVCB for conference organisers and tour operators considering Belfast as their destinations. Members may get involved with these visits as well as other target market and press trips which often result in direct business/publicity for member businesses.
• Business Referrals
  Generated by BVCB staff in all departments… we only pass business on to our members!

How will I Target New Business?

After establishing a presence with the BVCB and following our marketing lead, your advertisements, brochures, listings… and word-of-mouth will generate more business, greatly improving your bottom line. After you sign up, you can begin to get involved in:

• New Member Orientation
  Members have the opportunity to meet with the Bureau’s staff in sessions that detail all the resources available.
  Business Opportunity Seminars: frequent industry discussions to help us forge effective marketing relationships and understanding of our target audiences.
• Member Meetings
  These events are held throughout the year and give you a chance to network, cross-sell and explore all that your membership has to offer.
• Destination Showcase Events
  You will have the opportunity to showcase your products and services to conference and event planners in our key markets.

Extra Services and Benefits exclusive to BVCB Members

The following amenities are available to all members. Please contact the Membership Department for further details about:

• Display Advertising
• Short Breaks Campaigns

None of the above could have been achieved without the support and input of our members.

What Am I Waiting For?

Fill out our online membership application and submit it today! Then get in on the action that positions Belfast as a vibrant tourist destination. Remember… strength in numbers, style in networking. It is that sort of synergy that can help your business go with the flow. Become a part of the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau today.

To receive an application form by post email claire.graham@belfastvisitor.com or alternatively download an application form here.

All applications should be returned with payment to:

Claire Graham
Membership Department
Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau
47 Donegall Place
Belfast BT1 5AD
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9023 9026
Fax: +44 (0) 28 9024 9026
Email: claire.graham@belfastvisitor.com
Website: www.gotobelfast.com