Latest Press Releases

UK City of Culture 2013 gets on board for Clipper Round the World Yacht Race - 18 August 2010

The UK’s City of Culture 2013, Derry~Londonderry, has today announced it is become part of the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race with an official city boat in the race. In addition the city will be an official host port, welcoming the ten-strong fleet in July 2012 with a showcase festival at the end of the final transatlantic stage of the 40,000-mile race en route to the race finish.

It will be the first time that Northern Ireland has been represented in the race which attracts a global audience of more than 460 million people.

The potential for the 11-12 entry was developed by Derry City Council with the support of Londonderry Port and Ocean Event Management. It will form an integral part of the campaign to market the city’s culture, business and education offerings in a number of the cities on the Clipper 11-12 route. The development of the tourism and international potential for the race and festival has been supported by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

The yacht will be one of ten identical 68-foot ocean racing yachts, each of which is sponsored by a city, region or country to carry their name around the world. Joining the Derry–Londonderry entry will be Uniquely Singapore and the Chinese entry, Qingdao, for whom hosting the Clipper Race was a key step in securing the rights to host the sailing events of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Both sponsors have discovered that the Clipper Race provides a unique platform for delivering global market exposure at local market values.

Derry–Londonderry has a long and illustrious maritime history and a key factor in the city’s participation in the race will be to generate cultural and socially inclusive legacy projects for the future.

Mayor Cllr Colum Eastwood speaking at the launch, said; “We’ve partnered with Clipper as we believe it provides a world class opportunity to showcase the city internationally while supporting business, education and cultural links ahead of the UK City of Culture 2013. It’s an important building block in developing the city’s reputation as a location for international events and brings fully into the use the full urban quayside of the River Foyle. This is the catalyst project that will bring together public, private, education, sports and community interests to build a legacy for the maritime, tourism, business and cultural interests of the city.”

On board the yacht will be a team of people from all walks of life, many of whom who have never sailed before, who are taking on the challenge of a lifetime. Among them will be crew from a number of other countries but it is hoped that the men and women of Derry–Londonderry will also be inspired to get on board and represent their city on a global stage.

In addition to those people with a thirst for adventure who will race around the world representing the city there are opportunities for local businesses to be part of the event. Teams in previous Clipper Races have helped galvanise the community spirit in their sponsoring city, generating a huge sense of ownership and pride in their achievement.

The Clipper Race was set up by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail solo, non-stop around the world, in order to give ordinary people the chance to do something truly extraordinary.

Sir Robin says, “We are delighted to welcome on board the UK’s first City of Culture, Derry-Londonderry, as a yacht sponsor and host port for the Clipper 11-12 Race. The race offers a unique platform to showcase the city around the world, both for business and tourism. We hope that, as other cities and countries have discovered, participation in the race will enable you to build a unique legacy for the city that will last for years to come.

“We hope people from Derry–Londonderry and across Northern Ireland will sign up to take part in the race and that everyone in the city and, indeed, across the country will get behind the team and support them all the way around the world.”

www.clipperroundtheworld.com, by emailing oceanracer@clipperroundtheworld.comBerths are available for people from Derry–Londonderry to compete in the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race and there will be public presentations in the city on 20 and 21 September at City Hotel, Derry~Londonderry. In the meantime more information can be found at or phoning +44 (0) 2392 52 6000. The minimum age for crew is 18 and there is no upper age limit. No previous sailing experience is required as all crew go through a comprehensive pre-race training programme.

Cruise North West Welcomes the P&O Artemis - 18 August 2010

The P&O Artemis sailed into Greencastle Port yesterday, bringing 1,500 passengers and crew to the North West. Named after the ancient Greek goddess, the Artemis set sail from Southampton and included Norway and Iceland in its itinerary before it called to Greencastle.

Visitors were treated to VIP hospitality as they reached the shore and were welcomed by Irish Dancing performances from the McKinney Academy of Dance. Passengers were also greeted by the Derry Visitor & Convention Bureau tourist information staff who were on hand to provide literature, maps and information about the surrounding areas.

Passengers also availed of scheduled tours to the Giant’s Causeway, the Inishowen Peninsula and the Walled City of Derry. For those who preferred to take in the sights at their own leisurely pace, complimentary shuttle buses were on offer throughout the day to transport visitors to Derry where they could explore what the city has to offer.

Aoife Thomas from Derry Visitor & Convention Bureau says “We are delighted to welcome so many new visitors to the region as part of the Cruise North West Initiative. Despite the current economic downturn, the cruise industry is the fastest growing sector in the tourism industry and we welcome the positive financial impact it has on the region, benefiting local businesses such as tour guides, attractions, cafes, retailers and coach companies. There is plenty for visitors to see and do whilst they are in the area and many of the visiting passengers enjoyed the displays of period drama as they walked in and around the city Walls. These re-enactments are part of our All the Walls a Stage animation programme and are a unique and entertaining way to really bring the history to life and create a memorable experience for our visitors.”

Speaking on behalf of the Loughs Agency, Andy Sides said that the success of the recent visit highlights the potential for growth of the cruise ship tourism product on the Foyle.

Derry~Londonderry has recently received the accolade of being named the first UK City of Culture for 2013 and it is hoped this title will raise the profile of the city and assist in attracting more cruise ships to visit the area in the future.

The Cruise North West initiative which is a partnership between Derry City Council, Londonderry Port & Harbour Commissioners, the Loughs Agency and Derry Visitor & Convention Bureau aimed at attracting cruise business to the region.

Derry’s hotel sector performs impressively during month of July. - 12 August 2010

Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau report’s July’s occupancy in the hotel sector in the city was an impressive 84% showing a 10.5% increase on 2009’s July figures. Derry hotels also performed well during the month of June, with an occupancy rate of 74%. This which was 9% higher than the Northern Ireland regional average for this month.

July’s figures can be attributed to the increase in the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland markets with 47% of visitors staying in the hotels coming from Northern Ireland and 13% coming from Republic of Ireland. These figures show the ‘Staycation’ trend which is a priority for the tourism industry this season is becoming very prominent in Derry with the domestic market becoming the key driver for these encouraging occupancy figures. It is also possible that the accolade of, City of Culture may have encouraged visitors to the area and we look forward to the months a head to see the impact that this title can bring to the tourism industry.

Catherine O’Connor ‘It is good to see occupancy levels increasing in the hotel sector. Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau will continue to work in partnership with all our members to ensure that this trend continues.’

Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau's Newest Members - 11 August 2010

Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau's welcomes its newest members to the organisation: Prehen Coach House, Drenagh House, Claudy Cycle Hire, Bogside Bed and Breakfast, Nightgale House Bed and Breakfast, Troy Hall Guest House, Compass Events Ltd and St. Columba's Church, Long Tower.

Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau’s AGM. - 04 August 2010

Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau (DVCB) held its AGM at the Waterfoot Hotel on Wednesday 28^th July. Members were told that although 2009 was a challenging year for the tourism industry, there was great potential and opportunities for the region over the coming months and years.

Catherine O’Connor Chief Executive reported that NITB released its 2009 figures stating there was an 8% decrease in visitors to Northern Ireland. The North West region has endured similar decreases, with the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) enquiries decreasing by 11% in 2009 to 69,959. The city’s Hotel Room Occupancy Rate for the year was 62% decreasing 3% from 2008 which was a lower decrease than the Northern Ireland average. Reports have indicated that out of all UK countries Northern Ireland has seen the greatest increase in domestic tourism, this is known as the ‘staycation’ trend. DVCB’s research supports this trend with an increase in Northern Ireland (NI) and Republic of Ireland (ROI) visitors to the region. The ‘staycation’ trend highlights the importance of the domestic NI and ROI markets and they will remain a key priority for our marketing campaigns.

Throughout 2009 DVCB has participated in extensive marketing activities; attending trade and consumer exhibitions using these as a platform to promote the region to international, GB and domestic markets. There has been a series of the press advertising, sales calls and facilitated over 465 representatives on press and travel trade familiarisation visits.

DVCB has been the delivery agency for the Cruise North West Initiative since late 2009 and has produced a new trade publication to promote the region, attended exhibitions and sales calls to highlight to the cruise industry the North West is a must see destination for their customers.

DVCB was awarded a Welcome to Excellence NI Gold Award which recognises the commitment by the company to offer customers the highest level of customer care provision.

Undoubtedly Derry~Londonderry being named as first UK City of Culture for 2013 will act as a catalyst for the tourism industry in the region and will raise the profile of Derry~Londonderry to visitors worldwide.

Bike hire is boost to tourism - 01 July 2010

A NEW cycle scheme has been launched in Derry city centre to help people get around the city. The scheme is the brainchild of Derry Visitor & Convention Bureau, in partnership with Claudy Cycles and Sustrans. Visitors and residents alike will now be able to hire adult and children's bikes from the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) in Foyle Street at half day, full day and weekly rates.

Odhran Dunne, visitor services manager, said: 'The TIC is the first port of call for many of the city's visitors and this new service will not only raise awareness of the cycling route opportunities in the region but also enhance the visitor experience.' Brian Cassidy, Claudy Cycles, said: 'The hybrid bikes we have provided for hire are perfect for cycling around the city.' The scheme is supported by sustainable transport chairty Sustrans. Its area manager, Ross McGill, said: 'This is a great opportunity for residents who are first time or returning cyclists wanting to give it a go.'

Cruise North West Welcomes 1st Ship of 2010. - 10 June 2010

This week marks the beginning of the cruise season with the arrival of the first two of four ships to visit the North West this year – the Saga Pearl II will call at Lisahally Port at 0900hrs on Thursday 10^th June. The ship set sail from Dover earlier this year and will call to Lisahally after spending time visiting Guernsey, Falmouth, Cobh and Dublin. The Saga Pearl II has undergone a £14million refurbishment and reflects Saga's trademark style and ambience with traditions such as afternoon tea, ballroom dancing and cabaret-style entertainment.

The Alexander von Humbolt will call at Lisahally Port at 0800hrs on Sunday 13^th June. Named after the famous German explorer, this ship departed from Hamburg and will call at Glengarriff, Foynes and Killybegs before arriving at Lisahally.

Visitors will be treated to an authentic local experience upon arrival, and can enjoy musical entertainment including pipers and fiddlers as they disembark. The North West region has a wealth of options for passengers as they arrive to the area. Passengers have a choice of excursions which include a tour of the Walled City of Derry, a trip to the world famous Giants Causeway or a tour of the Inishowen Peninsula and Glenveagh National Park.

Complimentary shuttle buses will also be available from Lisahally to Derry for Saga Pearl II passengers who may wish to enjoy some free time soaking up the atmosphere of the city!

Over the summer, more than 2600 cruise passengers will experience our rich heritage, unique culture and stunning scenery.

Cruise North West is a partnership between Derry City Council, Londonderry Port & Harbour Commissioners, the Loughs Agency and Derry Visitor & Convention Bureau. The partnership has already undertaken a series of marketing activities this year which included attendance at key cruise industry events and the publication of a new Cruise brochure.

Aoife Thomas from DVCB says “The North West region of Derry and it’s hinterland has huge potential as a cruise destination. The region has previously attracted up to 12 ships per year and we hope to reach this target once again. The Cruise industry is constantly changing and operators are continually sourcing new ports to refresh their product offering. Cruise North West is an exciting project for DVCB to be involved with and it is our aim to encourage cruise operators to include our destination in their itineraries.’’

Londonderry Port & Harbour Commissioners Harbour Master Bill McCann says the port is delighted to offer berthing and piloting facilities to these visiting vessels. “We welcome the opportunity to work alongside DVCB in promoting the port to cruise ships.”

Claire Lundy, Marketing & Communications Officer with Derry City Council said “Building upon the strong reputation the region has developed as a cruise destination, we look forward to the positive results the partnership will deliver”.