The London launch, which follows similar events in Belfast
and Dublin, provides a platform for the year-long series of events and
campaigns not only to attract tourists here, but to use the year 2012 to help
change the image and perception of Northern Ireland.
Taking centre stage at this year’s ni2012 extravaganza will
be the opening of the new iconic visitor attraction Titanic Belfast to coincide
with the centenary of the liner’s fateful maiden voyage, along with a new
state-of-the-art visitor centre situated at the stunning Giant’s Causeway on
the Antrim coast.
First Minister, Peter Robinson said: “NI 2012 will be a
memorable year of events that celebrates everything Northern Ireland has to offer
as a place to live, work and visit.
"2012 will be a year of celebration for Northern
Ireland and we want to share our country with as many people as possible. We
have here a real opportunity to show what Northern Ireland has to offer in 2012
and beyond, and to spread the word that Northern Ireland is a truly remarkable
tourist destination.
“Tourism has a key role to play in the economic development
of Northern Ireland and we have placed its development at the heart of our
draft Programme for Government.
“The Northern Ireland Executive has invested significantly
in developing its tourism capabilities and 2012 is the year when all of that
investment comes together to place Northern Ireland on the world stage as a
visitor destination.
"This is an opportunity not to be missed and I would
encourage everyone to get involved, be inspired and join in the spirit of
2012.”
A series of high profile events is also on the menu,
including the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, MTV concerts and celebrations
such as the 50th year of the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s.
Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness said: “This is a
unique opportunity for the north to showcase everything which is great about
our place to a global audience. All of the events planned for this year have
helped create a new sense of civic pride and more importantly offer compelling
reasons for visitors to choose to visit.
“I believe the positive effects of this year’s events will
last beyond the year itself and will also provide a great lead in to 2013 when
my home and historic city of Derry plays host to the City of Culture and
Belfast stages the World Police and Fire Games.
“The north of Ireland is an exciting place to visit and
invest. We have so much to celebrate this year and with so many exciting events
planned, there will never be a better opportunity for you to see us at our very
best.”
Speaking at the launch, Arlene Foster said that NI2012 was
set to become the biggest and best show that Northern Ireland will ever have
the privilege to stage.
She continued: “From the opening of the iconic Titanic
signature building to mark the centenary of the sinking of the famous ship
which was born and bred in Belfast, through to the Peace One Day Concert
featuring Jude Law and Massive Attack, the Circuit of Ireland rally, the
Clipper round the World Yacht Race and the Belfast Festival at Queen to name
but a few.
“As if that were not enough, we will now be hosting the
Irish Open on the world class course at Royal Portrush – home to our famous
golfers Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell and where Rory McIlroy still holds
the course record.
“As you can see 2012 will be a year to remember for Northern
Ireland. But it is just the beginning of a new era and I am confident that it
will generate a lasting and positive legacy to take us confidently into the
future.”
Niall Gibbons, Tourism Ireland’s chief executive, concluded:
“Tourism Ireland firmly believes that we are on the cusp of one of the most
exciting years ever for tourism to Northern Ireland. NI2012 is all about
harnessing the unprecedented opportunity to confidently put Northern Ireland on
the global stage in a completely new way, to capture and hold the focus of
world attention for all the most positive reasons. The superb programme of new
attractions, events and historic anniversaries taking place in 2012, and indeed
in 2013, will stimulate interest in Northern Ireland and help define what makes
it different and why overseas visitors should choose to come here.
“Tourism Ireland will use every opportunity to present
Northern Ireland in a way that clearly differentiates it from our competitor
destinations, capturing the essence of a holiday here and highlighting our
strengths – iconic experiences, warm, friendly people and value for money. “
A host of names from the media and business world attended
the event..
Notes to editors:
1. This project has been created by the NI2012 Stakeholder
Group, chaired by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, and led
by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. It includes the Department of Culture
Arts and Leisure, a wide range of bodies in central and local government as
well as representatives from the private sector.
2. Key events taking place:
April – May 2012
- Titanic Belfast Festival 2012 – A fusion of International-scale events including a range of plays, tours, talks, films and major musical events.
- Titanic Light Show – Lighting show at Titanic Belfast MTV Music Event – Major outdoor music event (TBC) Titanic : Scenes from the British Wreck Commissioner’s Inquiry – A verbatim play by Owen McCafferty
- Peace One Day Concert, Derry~Londonderry – International music concert marking the opening of London 2012 Festival and Paralympic Games Land of the Giants, Belfast – Unique tales on an epic scale of NI “Giants” including Gulliver, H&W, Titanic and the Giant’s Causeway A Coastal Installation by Deborah Warner, Derry~Londonderry – Major new living artwork co-commissioned by Derry-Londonderry Culture Company 2013 for the Cultural Olympiad Irish Open championship July 2012
- Clipper Round The World Yacht Race and Maritime Festival, Derry~Londonderry – The Clipper Round The World Yacht race homecoming leg, welcomed by a four day maritime festival to celebrate the visit of the world’s longest race
September 2012
- BBC Titanic Proms, Belfast – Celebration through songs and music (TBC) Giant’s Causeway Visitor – Opening of new Visitor Centre
October – November 2012
- 50th Ulster Bank Festival at Queen’s, Belfast – Dance, music, theatre, visual arts, film, classical and world music.
Follow the Executive online:
No comments:
Post a Comment