09/05/2002

Dramatic tourism increase in north West

The annual tourist turnover in the Derry City area increased by 30% in the year 2000 to just over £18 million.

The new figures, which are in comparison to 1995, were announced by the Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service Gerry Loughran.

Mr Loughran was speaking at the official handover of the £6.9 million Tower Hotel, which was recently completed inside the historic walled centre of Londonderry.

Speaking on Thursday May 9 he said the hotel would provide a welcome addition to the tourist facilities in the area.

Citing figures which showed that in 2000 an estimated 105,800 visitors and Northern Ireland residents on holiday stayed 550,300 nights in the area Mr Loughran said there was every reason to believe that the figure will grow.

“I am very pleased to be in this new hotel which is an excellent example of public, private and community sector partnership in action on the ground in the city,” Mr Loughran said.

“The redevelopment of this visually prominent site, which has lain vacant for many years, in one of the main streets within the Walled City, will greatly enhance the Historic City Conservation Area.”

(AMcE)


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