Titanic ambition Judith Owens, Titanic Belfast’s Chief Executive Officer, explains how it is evolving and sets out her ambitions for the future
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udith Owens took over the reins as Titanic Belfast’s Chief Executive in December, having been Director of Operations and Deputy Chief Executive since before it opened in 2012. She has been fundamental to the success of the award-winning tourist attraction looking after all front-of-house operations. “Reflecting upon 2017, we can look back proudly at what has been our most successful year to date as a business. Not only have we experienced our busiest year to date, welcomed our four millionth visitor, but we were the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction. “We worked very hard on all fronts, operationally and with public tourism marketing agencies to collaboratively capitalise on the award win and further raise the profile of tourism in Northern Ireland. I believe the award shone a spotlight not only on our authentic connection to Titanic but the whole industry’s offering. “This financial year to date, we have welcomed over 85% of our visitors from outside Northern Ireland. I believe that 2018, with the recent Lonely Planet accolade and the Rising Star Award from National Geographic, will bring greater opportunities
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and possibilities which will be reflected in the growth and profile of international visitors. “Belfast and Northern Ireland’s offering is constantly growing and diversifying from Titanic to Game of Thrones, new unique hotels such as the Titanic Hotel Belfast and many more on the horizon. These developments continue to provide key hooks to attract visitors and in turn will support business tourism.” Judith is one of the UK’s most experienced and established operational venue management professionals with experience spanning nearly three decades. She has led the operation of all signature events at Titanic Belfast, including BBC Sports Personality of the Year Red Carpet event, MTV Sounds and BBC Proms in the Park. Speaking about what is next for Titanic Belfast and the other two venues it operates (SS Nomadic and the Titanic Exhibition Centre), she said:“We have and will continue to reap the benefits of new and existing venues. New events have been drawn to the city, for example the award-winning Routes Europe Conference. “There is plenty more in the pipeline and we will continue to work with industry partners
to deliver these high profile events. On top of that, across our three venues, we have some exciting developments planned and will continue to push the boundaries in service and innovation.” In 2018, there are many more developments on the horizon. With huge investment in Belfast’s hotel infrastructure, increased air access, the increasing popularity of Belfast as a destination, married with the success of recent large scale events, which show Northern Ireland’s ‘can-do’ attitude, Judith believes Belfast’s presence on the national and international stage will only increase. With all of the above, there is also development for Titanic Belfast ahead, Judith commented: “At Titanic Belfast, we do not rest on our laurels. With increasing visitor numbers and global awareness of Northern Ireland’s incredible hospitality offering, we are developing an exciting new event space and enhancing our food and drink proposition. “There is no doubt 2018 will be a year of opportunities and possibilities, not without its challenges, including Brexit, but I’m sure Northern Ireland will rise to meet them.” ■ For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.