National Geographic’s prestigious ‘Traveler’ magazine included the city in the Top 20 ‘Best of the World’ list in its November edition.

Belfast features alongside Croatia, Thailand and Guatemala in the chart and is described as “a capital that is redefining itself in the eyes of the world.”

The Belfast Bred culinary walking tour receives a mention as does the Titanic Belfast visitor experience, the world’s largest Titanic exhibition which is set to open in March 2012.

Tim Husbands, CEO of Titanic Belfast, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that National Geographic has named Belfast as one of its top 20 destinations to visit in 2012. To be named alongside established tourist locations such as California, New Zealand, Croatia, Thailand and Iceland is a proud moment for a city that has gone to great lengths to prove itself as a cultural capital.

“The opening of Titanic Belfast in March next year, which will launch a two-week festival marking the centenary of RMS Titanic’s maiden voyage, will bring Belfast to the forefront of global tourism.”

He added: “Belfast’s cultural redevelopment continues apace and this recognition from National Geographic of Belfast as an international must-see destination is testament to the collective effort made by all tourism stakeholders.”

© UTV News