ALL ABOARD….Mark Durkan say hike in cruise line visitors will bring in extra £500k to Derry economy in 2015
SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has said he is delighted at the significant increase in the number of cruise liner passengers who will be visiting Derry in 2015.
Visitors will be up from just under 3,000 in 2014 to 11,254 passengers expected to visit North West shores this year.
The significant rise in cruise visitors is estimated to be worth £720,000 to the local economy.
Mr Durkan said: “I am delighted by this significant increase in cruise liner visitors to the North West. It offers us a real opportunity to advance our reputation as having a unique atmosphere and famous warm welcome.
“Derry is steadily growing in popularity as a cruise destination – with 7 liners (or 8,500 passengers) already confirmed for 2016 – which will contribute an additional £500,000 to our local economy.
“This substantial growth can be attributed to the commendable work of staff at Visit Derry – including a recent push in the US – which has now seen the North West successfully attracting vessels from major international cruise companies.”
