THE Maiden City is
celebrating after it was named the fourth best city
to visit next year by travel bible, the Lonely
Planet.
Inishowen, as Derry's natural tourism hinterland -
is also likely to receive an economic bounce from
the thousands of people who are likely to follow the
iconic travel guide to Derry.
Derry received the accolade in the Lonely Planet’s
Best in Travel publication behind only San
Francisco, Amsterdam and Hyderabad.
The publishers described Derry, which is UK City of
Culture in 2013, as a "vibrant, historic walled
city". It said Derry was "undergoing a renaissance".
The city will host the 10-day All Ireland Fleadh as
well as the Turner Prize next year.
Derry Mayor, Councillor Kevin Campbell welcomed the
city's Lonely Planet boost.
“This is huge praise for the city and recognises
what the City of Culture is set to bring to Derry
and North West region.
"There has been significant international media
interest in this story so the message is out there
that it is our time to shine and our time to show
the world that Derry is a world-class place to
visit."
Cllr Campbell added: "This announcement is timely as
we prepare to unveil the official programme for 2013
on Thursday morning and welcome the huge number of
visitors to the city this weekend for the Banks of
the Foyle Hallowe’en Carnival. It shows to the world
that we have left our troubled past behind and that
we are now looking to the future to welcome
international visitors to experience the great year
of outstanding events scheduled for 2013.”
As locals celebrate the news, the city's business
leaders will now have to redouble ongoing efforts to
ensure the city can accommodate the thousands of
visitors expected next year. |
