Tourism and Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has said Northern Ireland's hosting of the Giro d'Italia cycling race will put the country in a strong position in the global tourism industry

The Minister was speaking in Milan at a media launch announcing the full race route of the Giro d’Italia, which starts in Belfast in May next year.

The launch was attended by international broadcast and print journalists, including La Gazzetta dello Sport, Italy’s most widely-read national daily and the official newspaper for the race.

Minister Foster said: "The Grand Partenza route will take in iconic locations in Northern Ireland, including Titanic Belfast, Parliament Buildings, the Giants Causeway and the North Coast Road before moving on to the picturesque and historic setting of Armagh and onwards to Dublin.

"Northern Ireland’s high-quality facilities, infrastructure and hospitality all set against the backdrop of our outstanding scenery, is putting us into a strong position in the global tourism and sports events industry.

"Hundreds of journalists have attended this launch today – a clear indication of exactly how huge the event will be, not just for sports fans but for people living in the towns and villages it will pass through in Northern Ireland."

The Minister also told the media that her Department and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board will be doing everything possible to make sure the 2014 Grand Partenza is one of the best in the Giro d’Italia’s 104-year history.

Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy said: "The commitment and resources from my department along with the support from many other quarters in Northern Ireland is set to create a sporting legacy that everyone can take pride in for many years to come."

The race is broadcast in approximately 165 countries, reaching some 125m households and a global audience of about 775m people.

(IT/CD)