CoC13 contributed to 13 per cent visitor hike

Tourism Ireland says Londonderry UK City of Culture 2013 helped boost overseas visitors by 13 per cent in the year to June.
Arlene FosterArlene Foster
Arlene Foster

Official figures to the end of June showed growth of over 13 per cent in overseas visitors, and that was before key events like the Walled City Tattoo, the Fleadh, the Turner Prize and Lumiere.

The body says sentiment is positive for the latter half of the year and that UK City of Culture has been one of the landmark attractors this year generally.

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster said: “In 2013 Londonderry became the first UK City of Culture and, among many other successful events, hosted the Turner Prize on its first ever showing outside England.”

Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “Our promotions have been highlighting Derry~Londonderry UK City of Culture; other major events, like the World Police & Fire Games, were also promoted widely.”