Tall Ships event 'will put the spotlight on Northern Ireland'

28 January 2009 -

The Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge will be one of the biggest events in Northern Ireland in 2009 and will make the country the centre of international attention, tourism minister Arlene Foster has claimed.

She stated the competition will leave a £1 million legacy and lasting benefits for berthing facilities at Queen's Quay, Abercorn Basin and Thompson Dock in Belfast.

Ms Foster claimed the country has set challenging goals with regard to tourism in Northern Ireland in 2009 and events such as the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge provide opportunities to encourage people to visit the nation.

"The Belfast Maritime Festival 2009, featuring the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge, will place the international spotlight on Northern Ireland," she added.

Visitors are likely to be drawn to a number of events in Northern Ireland this year, with the Six Nations darts tournament coming to Londonderry in February and the 2009 Ulster Rally taking place in August, along with many more shows and concerts.