"Our time, our place - our time to shine; was the message from the Belfast Business Forum organised by Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

Attended by over 100 Belfast organisations, the Forum aimed to educate businesses about the City’s 2012 events calendar, and how best to use every opportunity to their advantage.

Titanic Belfast, the opening of the MAC building and the 50th Belfast Festival at Queens were just a few of the events highlighted in the presentations by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Belfast City Council who were both speaking at the event.

Joe Jordan, President of BCTC was delighted with the turnout, he said: “2012 is an important year for Belfast – not just for tourist attractions, but for all businesses - spanning retail, trade and leisure.”

“With so many events, celebrations, commemorations and amazing projects coming to completion, this is our time to turn the tide and confidently put Northern Ireland on the global tourism map.”

“We of course have all of the Titanic celebrations which will be an unbelievable tourist attraction, but we also have numerous other events including the Olympic and Paralympic Games Torch Relay – which will visit not only Belfast, but all parts of the North.

He concluded: “We also have our annual St Patrick’s Day carnival, the Belfast Marathon and the upcoming Independent Retail Week – all of which must be embraced by local businesses.”

For further information on Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce and for future events, log on to: www.belfastctc.com or call 028 9024 2111.