PASSPORT TO PARADISE: Maureen Ledwith and Shane Hourican (right) of Business Exhibitions Ltd joined ‘Captain’ Sam Duffy to launch the 31st annual Holiday World Belfast Show which will take place at the Titanic Exhibition Centre (TEC) on January 19-21, 2024.
BY TIM HEDGLEY, GROUP TRAVEL EDITOR
THERE are few things that can help banish those post-Christmas blues more than a holiday.
Whether it’s a relaxing retreat in the sun, a cultural city break, a family camping trip, a staycation closer to home, or an adventure to some exotic land, having a holiday to look forward to is the perfect antidote to the annual seasonal slump we feel when the festive season comes to a close.
Whatever your preferred holiday choice or destination, the Holiday World Show, which takes place at the Titanic Exhibition Centre (TEC) in Belfast from Friday, January 19, until Sunday,January 21, is a perfect starting point to help people recharge their batteries and plan a getaway in 2024.
Promising ‘a world of travel inspiration’, exclusive ‘show only’ deals and expert advice, the 31st annual Holiday World Show Belfast is set to transform January from one of the most depressing months of the year into a time of excitement and anticipation for holidaymakers in Northern Ireland.
“Christmas is such a magical time of the year, it’s no surprise that we all feel a little flat when it’s over and we have to think about going back to work and the traditionally long month of January ahead,” said Maria Hourican, Chief Executive of Holiday World’s parent company Business Exhibitions Ltd.
“If ever there was a time when we need a little ‘pick me up’, it’s January – and there’s no better way to refresh and recharge those batteries than by booking a holiday and giving yourself something exciting to look forward in 2024.
“With this in mind, we invite everyone to say goodbye to those post-Christmas doldrums and, instead, say hello to a world of travel inspiration at the Holiday World Show Belfast in January,” she added.
More than 11,000 visitors are expected to converge at the TEC for the province’s biggest annual celebration of travel and tourism, which will showcase a huge choice of travel options at home and abroad – and some of them might even go home with a free holiday if they strike it lucky in one of the many ‘free to enter’ prize draws that will run throughout the show.
School children can also win one of two return family ferry crossings with Stena Line, on any of the company’s routes between Ireland and Great Britain, through a colouring competition for 4 to 6 year-olds and a drawing competition for 7 to 12 year-olds.
Entry forms are available at the show’s ‘Kids Zone’ or to download before the event from www.holidayworldshowni.com/stena-line-colouring-competition.
Ahead of the main event, people can keep up to date with all the latest news, competitions and promotions on the ‘Holiday World Show Belfast’ Facebook and Instagram pages.
Holiday World Show Belfast will play host to a wide range of international tourist boards, destinations, airlines, ferry companies, hotels and B&Bs, visitor attractions, travel agencies and service providers.
Operators and destinations include Spain, Malta, Mysteries of India, Cyprus, Air Canada, easyJet, Stena Line, Travel Solutions, Hays Travel, Camino groups, French camping sites, and many more.
One of the fastest growing areas of the holiday industry is undoubtedly the cruise sector – which is reflected at the show, with a dedicated Cruise Pavilion hosted by local cruise specialist Oasis Travel.
Visitors will be able to find out more about cruise holidays from leading companies such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea Cruises, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Riviera Travel.
For those who like to holiday closer to home, Holiday World Belfast also includes a Home Holiday Pavilion and the ever-popular Caravan & Motorhome Show, also in its 31st year, featuring the latest, most tempting models and declaring open season on just about every sort of holiday in the Great Outdoors, with fresh takes on camping, glamping, caravanning and park resorts at home and abroad.
“For an entry fee of just a fiver, visitors to the show will have an opportunity to discover exciting new destinations and experiences – and take advantage of exclusive show offers and discounts to secure some fantastic savings and help make their dream holiday a reality,” said Holiday World CEO Maria Hourican.
“I’d also recommend that people follow Holiday World Belfast on Facebook and Instagram to be included in all the latest news and promotions.
“With family tickets costing just £10 (for two adults and two children), we would also encourage parents to bring the kids along and turn their holiday planning into a fun and memorable experience for the whole family – with lots of family-friendly activities, interactive exhibits and entertainment to keep the kids entertained at the show.
“Kids also have a chance at the event to win one of two Stena Line ferry crossings for their families in our annual drawing and colouring competitions.
“There really is something for everyone with operators and destinations from around the world and closer to home, and visitors will get the chance to do their travel research face-to-face, by tapping into the expertise of a wide range of industry professionals and travel experts at the show to gain valuable insights and help plan the perfect post-Christmas escape,” concluded Maria.
Holiday World Belfast will take place at the TEC (Titanic Exhibition Centre) on Queen’s Road in Titanic Quarter, Belfast from 10am to 5pm on Friday January 19, Saturday January 20 and Sunday January 21, 2024.
Tickets cost £5 for adults; £4 for Senior Citizens and £3 for Students.
A special family ticket gives admission for two adults and up to four children for just £10 and a 2-for-1 ticket deal is available online at: www.holidayworld.registrationdesk.ie/2-for-1-voucher/.
