Team to sellcity in Holland and America

Town Clerk Sharon O’Connor revealed the mission during a trip to Stormont last week where city representatives shared the story of progress as Londonderry gets ready for a line-up of world class events in 2012 and countdown preparations for City of Culture 2013.

She said: “The city’s new story already shows the progress that has happened in the city during 2012 and how we are collectively getting ready for 2013 year of culture.

“This year will see over £100million invested in city infrastructure, an economic and profile gain through welcoming 1,000s of visitors to our shores through NI 2012 events and the opportunity to accelerate the transformation of the city through a world class City of Culture 2013 year.”

Some of the new events added to the city’s event calendar this year includes the Celtic Film and Media Festival, Olympic Torch arrival on June 4, Peace One Day Concert June 21, North Atlantic Fiddle Festival and Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 11-12 from June 29 - July 8, 2012.

The Town Clerk revealed that a team of Londonderry marketers will travel aborad over the next few months to sell the city.

“The city team is working closely to grow a new confidence locally as well as creating new international connections with business, tourism, culture and Diaspora.

“Through a road show to USA, Canada and Holland, we will be following the Clipper Teams to international shores to share this story of change. Whether it is cultural, trade or tourism connections, 2012 is a new opportunity to be positive about the future and send out a global invite to come home for two great years of celebrations and change,” she said.

Mayor, Alderman Maurice Devenney, said: “This will help grow the economy and leave a lasting creative, social and cultural legacy for all communities. It’s the start of a significant countdown to 2013 and the partnership and support to make the city a successful destination for business and tourism is better than ever.”