12 January 2016
Next week local businesses will have the opportunity to attend a special event to find out how they can get involved in the massive Clipper Race 2015-16 homecoming celebrations set to take over Derry in July 2016.
This is the third time the city has been asked to host one of the stopover visits in what has become one of the most significant global sporting events, followed by millions worldwide – the Clipper Race.
In 2014 the Foyle Maritime Festival generated visitor numbers of almost 150,000, as the riverside was thronged with spectators who greeted the arrival of the 12 strong Clipper 70 fleet.
This year’s festival will take place from July 9 – 17, and will include a packed programme of both quayside and river based events, presenting major opportunities for local businesses particularly those in the tourism and hospitality sectors, but open to all sectors.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Elisha McCallion commented “Our partnership with Clipper Ventures has been of major significance for the local economy, providing the opportunity for us to stage a world class festival and be a part of a major global sporting event.
“It has opened us up to new audiences and, building on the success of the previous two homecoming events, we have the opportunity to attract even more visitors this year. I would recommend that all local businesses find out more about the programme and their chance to play an active role in what promises to be the biggest event in the North West for 2016.”
In 2014 the Foyle Maritime Festival generated £3,183,208 throughout the city and district, providing a significant boost to the local economy.