IoH white-paper published: ‘From moment to momentum: Is Belfast’s Hospitality Sector Ready for the Next Fleadh’

A new Institute of Hospitality white-paper, ‘From Moment to Momentum: Is Belfast’s Hospitality Sector Ready for the Next Fleadh?’, based on a round table discussion hosted by Ulster Bank Commercial & Institutional in Belfast, has been published today.

Facilitated by Aymen Fetouak MIH, the Institute’s Head of Professional Development, the white-paper brings together hospitality, tourism, transport, public services and event representatives to reflect on the success of Belfast’s first Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and explore how the city can build on this momentum for future events.

The discussion examines key challenges, from forecasting visitor demand and managing workforce pressures to improving transport, visitor information and collaboration across the sector. It also highlights practical recommendations to help Belfast strengthen its readiness for the next Fleadh, ensuring the benefits are shared by visitors, residents, hospitality businesses and the wider community.

Involved in the discussion were:

• Martina Connolly – CEO, Belfast One BID
• Eoin McGrath FIH – Director of Sales & Revenue, Hastings Hotels
• Aaron Logan FIH – Chair, Institute of Hospitality Northern Ireland
• Damien Bannon – Belfast Area Manager, Translink
• Sean McGreevy – Translink, who led the organisation’s delivery of the Fleadh
• Amanda Ford – Chief Superintendent, PSNI
• Andrew McWhirter – Group Operations Manager, The Ringland Group
• Aymen Fetouak MIH – Head of Professional Development, Institute of Hospitality
• Joanne Smith FIH – Head of Operations, Institute of Hospitality
• Lindsay Armstrong – Community Engagement Manager, Volunteer Now
• Michael Stewart – Belfast Night Czar, Bar Czar
• Richard Lusty – Corporate Banking Relationship Director, Ulster Bank
• Caitriona Lennox FIH – Head of Northern Ireland, Springboard
• Ian Campbell – Director of Service Operations, Translink
• Jonathan Mallon – Chief Operating Officer, Mount Charles
• Heather Wilson – Lounge General Manager, Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality, Belfast City Airport
• Carolyn Boyd – Industry Development Manager, Tourism Northern Ireland
• Rachael McGuickin – Deputy CEO & Director of Business Development, Sustainability and Transformation, Visit Belfast
• Nicola McCullough – Head of Visitor Service and Operations, Visit Belfast
• Caitriona Lavery – Sales Manager, Hastings Hotels
• Niall McClean – Chair of the Ards Branch, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann

The Institute of Hospitality CPD Round Tables are designed to bring Institute members and the wider hospitality community together to discuss regional challenges and produce a white-paper on specific topics that present a problem, alongside possible solutions.

The IoH CPD Round Tables are held nationally across the UK and outside London, allowing IoH members to participate in critical discussions.

A special thanks to Ulster Bank Commercial & Institutional for hosting our latest round table.

Download the IoH White Paper here.