Northern Ireland’s second biggest city, Londonderry, has been voted the first ever UK City of Culture 2013. Beating stiff competition from the other three shortlisted cities of Birmingham, Norwich and Sheffield, Londonderry hopes to build on the success of Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture 2008, which had significant social and economic benefits for the area.
Londonderry Visitor and Convention Bureau’s (DCVB) Business and Leisure Tourism Executive Aoife Thomas told CN: “The title of UK City of Culture 2013 promises new infrastructure development, additional creative arts and event venues, new visitor attractions, increased accommodation and of course a year full of cultural events.
“The next two years are an extremely exciting time for Londonderry, with so many events, celebrations and amazing projects coming to completion.”
Londonderry council has committed to invest more than £200m in the city’s infrastructure and a number of projects have recently been completed with many more under construction.
“The City of Culture accolade has given Londonderry a unique recognition and since the announcement was made in July 2010 the positive effects are already extremely evident, notably from the business tourism industry. The estimated PR value from City of Culture already stands at approximately £10m which has greatly enhanced the profile of the destination, leading to a significant increase in conference enquiries and successful bids, especially from the GB and Republic of Ireland Association market,” Thomas added.
2011 was reportedly a strong year for events in Londonderry. The city hosted the Northern Ireland Public Service Association’s conference, which attracted 500 delegates to the city for four days.
This event has also been secured for 2012 and 2015. Other conferences that were hosted in the city in 2011 included the ‘Forum for Cities in Transition’ Annual International Conference, the Royal Naval Association Annual Conference and the British Medical Association GP Annual Conference.
A DCVB Ambassador Programme has also helped secure a large proportion of the city’s conference business for 2012 and 2013, according to Thomas.
The programme is dedicated to forging relationships with the University of Ulster Magee Campus, a centre for Excellence for Mental Health and specialising in Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies, and also Altnagelvin Hospital, which is home to the Clinical Translational Research and Innovation Centre research innovation hub.
Successful conference bids for 2012 and 2013 include the Political Studies Association of Ireland Annual Conference, the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers Annual Conference the Forum for Access and Continuing Education Annual Conference, the Media, Communications and Cultural Studies Association, the British and Irish Orthoptic Society Scientific Conference and the Medical Management Education Association.
The bureau says it has also started to work with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to provide business tourism statistics for a ‘Business Tourism Barometer’ (which will be available for consumption in the future).
“There is now a stronger interest in business tourism than ever before in Londonderry, with key industry partners and stakeholders working in close partnership to ensure we continue to
grow conference business to the destination,” added Thomas.
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Quick questions with DCVB’s Aoife Thomas:
How have you positioned your marketing efforts for the city?
We concentrate our marketing efforts within the Great Britain and Republic
of Ireland market. Association business is of particular focus.
What are Londonderry’s USP’s?
Londonderry is a walled city and in 2013 celebrates the 400th Anniversary of the 17th Century Walls which were built and are still owned by the Guilds of London. The City is a melting pot of cultural heritage and digital innovation.
In light of the recent terrorist bombs in the city, is it safe?
Londonderry, and Northern Ireland as a whole is an extremely safe destination to visit. The recent bombings were an isolated incident which thankfully has not seen a negative impact on business. Since then, we have successfully secured the All Ireland Fleadh which is the largest festival in Ireland celebrating Irish music, dance, language and culture it has the potential to attract over 300,000 visitors to the city and generate over £34m to the local economy.
What are some of the developments for the city to come out of the new accolade?
- The One City One Voice Regeneration Plan and the launch of the new Parade Ground at Ebrington, a former military site, aims to create a destination space for a range of business tourism activities with an outdoor standing capacity of up to 15,000 people. Regeneration company, Ilex, is working with the Culture Company to source an architecturally designed, iconic semi-permanent installation with a proposed capacity of 5,000 standing, 3,000 theatre-stye and 1,000 for banqueting which will significantly enhance the city’s capacity to host larger scale events
- The city’s iconic Peace Bridge officially opened in June 2011 and will link the city centre with the Ebrington site adding a whole new dimension to the city’s product
- A lighting strategy will also see the city’s 400 year old walls and its 32 key buildings illuminated at night.
Any comments? Email conferencenews@mashmedia.net
