Foyle Maritime Festival clinches tourism award

The festival attracted thousands of people to the banks of the River Foyle from 9th to 17th July in 2016 and had previously won the Best Event/Festival Experience title at the prestigious 2015 Northern Ireland Tourism NITA Awards for its 2014 festival.

“I am delighted the Foyle Maritime Festival has been recognised with this award,” said the Mayor Alderman Hilary McClintock.

“A lot of planning and hard work had gone into the events and set up. Council staff, our volunteers, local business, residents and the Clipper Race crew and supporters should all celebrate this award as it is thanks to you that we are able to bring such events to the city and district.”

More than 22,000 bed nights were purchased during the festival, establishing July 2016 as the best performing month for room sales ever recorded in the city.

Evaluations reported a record breaking £3.5 million boost to the local economy during the festival with an average return on investment of £2.36 for every £1 invested by Derry City and Strabane District Council and their festival partners.

Helena Hasson, Clipper Race Project Officer added, “The Clipper Race ‘LegenDerry’ stopover reached iconic status in 2015-16. The international crews have spoken widely about the Derry~Londonderry stopover, deeming it one of most anticipated host ports in the entire race across the world, so much so that Leg 8 of the race which included the Foyle port was one of the first to sell out.”