{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/664f36aa01dca400121017ad/6a718bc56af4dfc9185a2c39?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Coolcations and Culture: Can Belfast Capitalize on the Global Rise of Climate Tourism?","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/664f36aa01dca400121017ad/1785826266438-e6ee9908-3434-4451-8231-9ac9aa537da0.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>In this episode of Trading Up, hosts Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey explore whether Belfast is positioned to capitalise on a massive, climate-driven tourism boom. As Europe swelters under devastating heatwaves and wildfires, a major travel trend has emerged: the \"coolcation,\" where tourists actively seek out cooler climates to escape extreme heat and enjoy restorative sleep.</p><p><br></p><p>Can Northern Ireland—with its compact layout, rich cultural appeal, and UNESCO City of Music status for Belfast—become a premier destination for these travellers? The hosts weigh the massive £60 million economic projection from Belfast's Fleadh festival against serious local headwinds, including hotel booking declines following June’s civil unrest.</p><p><br></p><p>Looking to Scandinavia, they debate what Belfast must learn from the Nordic model of civic responsibility, waterfront design, and \"leave no trace\" environmental ethics to truly maximize its long-term tourism potential.</p><p><br></p><p><strong><em>Brought to you in association with EY. </em></strong><em>The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.</em></p><p><br></p><p><em>Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise.</em></p>","author_name":"The Irish News"}