City to lure diaspora
A REPUBLIC of Ireland initiative to attract members of the Irish diaspora home for a holiday in 2013 will provide an opportunity for Londonderry UK City of Culture 2013 to lure visitors northwards next year.
Tourist Minister Arlene Foster was asked what action she has taken to ensure that Northern Ireland gets proportionate coverage in ‘The Gathering: An Irish Homecoming’ campaign and to outline plans for our inclusion in this campaign.
She stated: “The Gathering is an initiative being run by the Republic of Ireland Government with the aim of attracting the diaspora home for a holiday in 2013. Any increase in tourism numbers to the island is to be welcomed and Northern Ireland is well placed to benefit as the initiative fits well with our plans for 2013 when Londonderry is the UK City of Culture and we will host the World Police and Fire Games.
“We will also have the Titanic Belfast and the new Causeway Visitor Centre to offer tourists in 2013.”