Tourism at our Fingertips: Hospitality Exchange 2023 Announce Dates

Organised by the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF), the event is in its twenty fourth year and is the largest hospitality conference in Northern Ireland

Hospitality Exchange 2023 will take place on the 17 and 18 of October 2023 in Crowne Plaza Belfast. Organised by the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF), the event is in its twenty fourth year and is the largest hospitality conference in Northern Ireland, attracting a wide audience from the hotel, restaurant and wider tourism and hospitality sector.

Launching this year’s Hospitality Exchange, Eddie McKeever, NIHF President, said:

“I am delighted to be able to launch this year’s Hospitality Exchange and to build on the legacy of the last 24 years. This year we will be looking at the opportunities the industry offers, the transformation it has undergone and how we can grow the market. We’ll be exploring the creation of a sustainable tourism sector with the ability to grow and support local communities, whilst recognising operational constraints, costs, and challenges.”

Focusing on investment, Mr McKeever added:

“Growing the sector and discussing how we can attract more international visitors is imperative as this underpins our future success. The Federation’s recent hotel report highlighted how one billion pounds has been invested in the sector over the last twenty years.

“The 2023 programme will include an economic update on the real value of tourism and the significant contribution it makes to the local economy. The hotel industry has given me a great career and I really believe with the investment to date, and the product we now have, that the world is at our fingertips.  Our combined efforts, along with supportive government policy, will enable an increased contribution that will ultimately create a better place for everyone.

“This is an industry about people, a perpetual topic requiring radical thinking. People remain a core issue and the 24th Hospitality Exchange will be taking a positive stance focusing on the success of winning teams and skills solutions, with interesting stories to showcase innovation in practice.

“After a successful launch in 2022, we will also be recognising the 2023 Rising Stars in the sector, rewarding them for their contribution and telling their stories. The Federation realises how important it is for people to come together and I’m looking forward to meeting colleagues, making new connections and being inspired at Hospitality Exchange!”

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