Ulster Cycling News
7Oct/130

Arlene Foster Attends Giro Launch in Milan

image001Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has told an audience of influential international and Italian media that Northern Ireland is developing a strong position in the global tourism and sports events industry. The Minister was speaking today in Milan at a media launch announcing the full race route of the Giro d’Italia.

The Grand Tour cycling race, one of the world’s biggest sporting spectacles, begins in Belfast with the Grand Partenza or Big Start in May 2014.

The launch was attended by hundreds of international broadcast and print journalists, including La Gazzetta dello Sport, Italy’s most widely-read national daily and the official newspaper for the race.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland  - 7th October 2013 Press Release Image - No Reproduction Fee Northern Ireland is riding high, Foster tells world?s press.                                                                   Tourism Minister Arlene F

Minister Foster said: “The Grand Partenza route will take in iconic locations in Northern Ireland, including Titanic Belfast, Parliament Buildings, the Giants Causeway and the North Coast Road before moving on to the picturesque and historic setting of Armagh and onwards to Dublin.

“Northern Ireland’s high-quality facilities, infrastructure and hospitality all set against the backdrop of our outstanding scenery, is putting us into a strong position in the global tourism and sports events industry.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland Ê- 7th October 2013 Press Release Image - No Reproduction Fee Northern Ireland is riding high, Foster tells worldÕs press.                                                                   Tourism Minister Arlene F

“Having hosted this year’s World Police and Fire Games, hailed as the best and friendliest in history, and having held last year’s hugely successful Irish Open golf tournament our reputation for staging world-class sporting events is riding high.

“Hundreds of journalists have attended this launch today – a clear indication of exactly how huge the event will be, not just for sports fans but for people living in the towns and villages it will pass through in Northern Ireland.”

The Minister also told the media that her Department and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board will be doing everything possible to make sure the 2014 Grand Partenza is one of the best in the Giro d’Italia’s 104-year history.

Arlene Foster added: “RCS Sport has designed exceptional opening stage routes in Northern Ireland and I am sure they will challenge the riders, entertain the thousands of spectators and showcase our tourism assets to the millions who will watch on TV.

“Everyone in Northern Ireland is looking forward to welcoming this hugely exciting competition to our shores and to embracing the passion, colour and atmosphere that comes with it.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland Ê- 7th October 2013 Press Release Image - No Reproduction Fee Northern Ireland is riding high, Foster tells worldÕs press.                                                                   Tourism Minister Arlene F

“I have no doubt that the worldwide media exposure the race will bring for Northern Ireland will encourage more visitors to come and explore Northern Ireland for themselves and try out our excellent cycling facilities.”

Welcoming the route announcement, Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy said: “I am delighted to support this hugely significant international sporting event.

“The commitment and resources from my department along with the support from many other quarters in Northern Ireland is set to create a sporting legacy that everyone can take pride in for many years to come.”

The race is broadcast in approximately 165 countries, reaching some 125 million households and a global audience of about 775 million people.

Via Press Release

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