Mayor caught napping on the job - but all for a good reason

“There’s a warm welcome awaiting visitors from Northern Ireland, as well as those from farther afield – but we want you to stick around!” said Cllr Campbell. “We have fantastic accommodation of all types for all sorts of visitors, so why not come up, bring a few friends and stay over?”

New figures based on enquiries at the Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau show that more tourists from home and abroad are visiting the city’s Tourist Information Centre, according to Odhran Dunne of DVCB.

“The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and the city’s status as the UK City of Culture 2013 has increased our profile and appeal as one of the leading destinations for daytrips, leisure, short breaks, business, conference and cruise tourism,” said Odhran.

“The city offers a fabulous selection of accommodation to suit every budget and taste, with the guarantee of great hospitality. So come on board - a LegenDerry visitor experience awaits you!”

The latest figures show that in May of this year, compared to the same month in 2011, there was an increase of 15% in counter enquiries at the TIC.

Overall, the first five months of 2012 showed a total increase of 8% in enquiries at the Tourist Information Centre on Foyle Street with strong growth in the domestic (Northern Ireland), European and New and Developing markets.

The Clipper Homecoming Festival will welcome home the crew of the local yacht, Derry-Londonderry, and includes spectacular ceremonies to mark the arrival and departure of the 10-strong fleet, including a flotilla of around 100 pleasure craft.

Visitors can book a short break for the Homecoming Festival at www.derryvisitor.com or by calling the Tourist Information Centre (028) 7126 7284.

For more information on the huge range of free entertainment, food, performance, water and land-based activities which are on offer, click on www.whatsonderrylondonderry.com or www.derrycity.gov.uk/clipper.

The Clipper Homecoming Festival is organised by Derry City Council in partnership with Londonderry Port with funders Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Loughs Agency, Ilex, FG Wilson, Invest Northern Ireland and Malin Waters. The event is made possible with the support of many partners including Translink, Tourism Ireland, Chamber of Commerce, Department for Social Development and local business.