13/12/2001

Signs of tourism growth reported in Derry City

Tourism enquiries at Derry’s Tourist Information Centre have increased by 5 per cent during 2001, according to figures published in the annual report of the Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau.

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting held in the Millennium Forum, Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau Manager, Mrs Catherine O’Connor said counter enquiries in the TIC showed an overall annual increase of 5 per cent during 2001 with seasonal fluctuations from 1 per cent to 24 per cent depending on the time of year.

She explained: “Between January and June 2001 we recorded a 1 per cent increase, this slowdown can be explained by the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease and consequently this meant that our marketing activities had to change direction.”

Efforts were concentrated on the domestic and Republic of Ireland markets inviting people to visit the region for a short break. A price led campaign had, she said, proved successful: “As the summer approached it appeared the Foot and Mouth outbreak was no longer a deterrent and our final statistics, during the months of July and August recorded a healthy increase of 15 per cent and 24 per cent respectively. Overall when we compare our figures with last year, this shows an overall growth of 5 per cent.”

Mrs. O’Connor added that she hoped that business would gradually improve after the September 11 atrocity in New York. The DVCB would be monitoring the situation through the auspices of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Tourism Ireland, and would be looking at programmes to encourage visitors to the region from other key markets.

She added that the DVCB was looking forward to working closely with its partners in the Republic of Ireland in an effort to jointly market the region and increase business. (SP)

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