UK City of Culture events changed perceptions of city

Two recent surveys, of consumers and tourism businesses, conducted by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) show that Derry~Londonderry UK City of Culture 2013 has created a lasting impact in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and has enhanced perceptions of the tourism potential of Northern Ireland.
Taking place between Thursday October 28th and Sunday October 31st, the event is set to be a feast for the senses with a special Carnival of Lights acting as the showpiece.Locals and visitors alike will be able to explore haunted houses, cruise with pirates on the Foyle, listen to chilling ghost stories and enjoy puppet theatre and family film shows.

In addition, there will be special screenings of the Twilight Saga, bobbing for apples and pumpkin carvings, face painting, outdoor markets, ghostbuster tours, fancy dress costumes and much, much more.

Derry is not the only city to be getting in on the Halloween act this year, as Lisburn will also be marking the occasion with an evening of spooky fun and games on Saturday October 30th.Taking place between Thursday October 28th and Sunday October 31st, the event is set to be a feast for the senses with a special Carnival of Lights acting as the showpiece.Locals and visitors alike will be able to explore haunted houses, cruise with pirates on the Foyle, listen to chilling ghost stories and enjoy puppet theatre and family film shows.

In addition, there will be special screenings of the Twilight Saga, bobbing for apples and pumpkin carvings, face painting, outdoor markets, ghostbuster tours, fancy dress costumes and much, much more.

Derry is not the only city to be getting in on the Halloween act this year, as Lisburn will also be marking the occasion with an evening of spooky fun and games on Saturday October 30th.
Taking place between Thursday October 28th and Sunday October 31st, the event is set to be a feast for the senses with a special Carnival of Lights acting as the showpiece.Locals and visitors alike will be able to explore haunted houses, cruise with pirates on the Foyle, listen to chilling ghost stories and enjoy puppet theatre and family film shows. In addition, there will be special screenings of the Twilight Saga, bobbing for apples and pumpkin carvings, face painting, outdoor markets, ghostbuster tours, fancy dress costumes and much, much more. Derry is not the only city to be getting in on the Halloween act this year, as Lisburn will also be marking the occasion with an evening of spooky fun and games on Saturday October 30th.

Among those aware of the year-long City of Culture programme, over 80% in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland believed it would improve Northern Ireland’s reputation as a destination for tourists, with a similar majority recognising that it would also improve our reputation as a place that can hold major events.

Moreover, the survey found that the City of Culture impact has gone beyond tourism, and has helped to create a legacy of an improved image and changed perceptions, conveying the message that Northern Ireland is confidently moving on.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

NITB also found that the tourism industry shares the view that the 2013 UK City of Culture has delivered a significant positive impact, benefitting both the city and wider Northern Ireland society, with anticipation of a long term positive impact for individual tourism businesses.

NITB Chief Executive Alan Clarke said: “Our survey findings to date are highly encouraging and NITB support for UK City of Culture is still ongoing. We are currently delivering the second phase of a bespoke UK City of Culture marketing plan which is aimed at the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland markets”.

“The campaign will be delivered through TV, radio, outdoor, press and online advertising.”

Culture Company 2013 Chief Executive Shona McCarthy said: “It’s wonderful to see that the UK City of Culture programme has challenged old perceptions of Derry-Londonderry and the wider region. This year has allowed us to celebrate and create a new discourse through arts and culture, it has represented Derry as a culturally vibrant, creative and welcoming place.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“NITB has played a massive part in telling that story to a wider audience.

“The positive change in confidence and ambition, how we see ourselves and how others see us, these are important legacies of the City of Culture project,” said the Culture Company CEO.