Foster promotes Northern Ireland tourism in Brussels

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has launched a Northern Ireland Showcase at the European Parliament.



Speaking in Brussels, where Northern Ireland's tourism, business and food offering is being promoted to MEPs and the travel media, Arlene Foster said 2013 was the ideal time for more Europeans to find out what there is to see and do here.



The Minister said: "In the year which sees Londonderry take centre stage as the inaugural UK City of Culture, the arrival of the G8 in Fermanagh, Titanic Belfast marking its first birthday and the World Police and Fire Games, Northern Ireland has so much to offer the European tourist.



"Londonderry - one of the few remaining walled cities in Europe - has been honoured as the inaugural UK City of Culture 2013, outbidding some 13 other cities for the accolade. With a world class programme of events on offer, there has never been a better time to discover this historic city.



"Londonderry will also host the European Business Innovation Centre's Annual Congress this year organised by NORIBIC NI's Business Innovation Centre. Apple Co-founder Steve Wozniak has been secured as the headline speaker of this high profile event.



"Later in the year, Northern Ireland will also welcome the World Police and Fire Games - and I look forward to welcoming teams from right across Europe. Looking further forward, The Grande Partenza or 'Big Start' of the Giro d'Italia, will take place over three days in May 2014, involving routes in Belfast and Armagh."



The Northern Ireland Showcase depicts iconic images including the Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Lough Erne, Royal Portrush Golf Club, Londonderry and Titanic Belfast.



Arlene Foster added: "Titanic Belfast continues to be a major draw for overseas visitors - it broke all records last year attracting over 700,000 people from 129 countries in its first 11 months and we look forward to growing those numbers significantly in 2013."



Following on from the success of last year's Irish Open, Northern Ireland's golfing product continues to be a big draw for tourists.



The Minister said: "The Irish Open was the most successful event in European Tour history and, as a result, the Northern Ireland Open Challenge will be held in the picturesque surroundings of the historic Galgorm Castle in County Antrim. Our three Major winning golfers, Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke and Rory McIlroy continue to be wonderful ambassadors for 'our wee country' and, while Tiger Woods may have reclaimed the World Number One spot, I have no doubt that it won't be long before it is held by a Northern Ireland golfer once again."



Assuring the European audience of a warm welcome in Northern Ireland, Arlene Foster concluded: "We have wonderful attractions, wonderful scenery and wonderful food - but above all, we have a wonderful, friendly people. Visitors from Europe frequently tell us how impressed they are, not only by our tourist offering, but by the friendly welcome they received during their holiday. I look forward to many more tourists from Europe sampling that world famous welcome for themselves."

Brussels1: Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has launched a Northern Ireland Showcase at the European Parliament. The Minister was pictured in Brussels, where Northern Ireland's tourism, business and food offering is being promoted to MEPs and the travel media with Simon Dougan from Yellow Door Deli, Belfast.