Minister welcomes Atlantic Tall Ship Challenge 2009

Sports Minister Gregory Campbell today welcomed the launch of Belfast’s programme of events to mark the finale of the Atlantic Tall Ship Challenge 2009.

Speaking at the Belfast Harbour Commissioners Office Minister Campbell said: “The return of the Atlantic Tall Ship Challenge to Belfast has been a long-standing ambition of Northern Ireland. I am pleased that my Department has been able to work in partnership with Belfast City Council, Belfast Harbour Commissioners, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and various private sector partners to make this event a reality.  

“Many people will remember when the Tall Ships visited Belfast in 1991, it was a spectacular event which demonstrated to many people, at home and abroad, that Belfast and Northern Ireland was somewhere worth visiting.   

“For so many years, Northern Ireland lost out on international events, but thankfully things have changed. We now have a very positive outlook for the future. Vital improvements have been made to infrastructure which supports major events and Northern Ireland is now established as a destination for international events.”

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster said: “The Belfast Maritime Festival 2009, featuring the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge, will place the international spotlight on Northern Ireland this summer.

“The Northern Ireland Executive has set challenging targets for tourism here and despite the current economic climate, statistics for the first half of 2008 show that tourist numbers and the amount they spent here were up compared to the same period in 2007.

“We must now build on this achievement and Government, its agencies and local tourism providers must work together to exploit such opportunities as the Tall Ships’ visit to Belfast.

“This event will leave behind a legacy worth £1 million towards berthing facilities at Queen’s Quay, Thompson Dock and Abercorn Basin. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board, through its capital grant programme, will contribute £500,000 towards this project which will help develop sailing and tourism here as well as provide infrastructure improvements to support Belfast in attracting other major events in the future.”

Commenting on her Department’s contributions towards providing the necessary infrastructure for the Tall Ships in Laganside, the Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie said: “Belfast’s waterfront has been transformed in recent years and will provide a fitting backdrop to the colour and spectacle of the Tall Ships. The city in recent years has been revitalised with regeneration projects and redevelopment changing the urban environment into a vibrant European city.  The hosting of this event is another positive indicator of Belfast’s place in the world.  

“My Department has been delighted to participate in the Tall Ships project particularly as the infrastructure works will leave a lasting legacy on the waterfront.  That legacy will come not only in the form of showcasing Belfast as a city that can facilitate and deliver major international events but also through the provision of new leisure craft berthing facilities.  The new facilities at Queens Quay, Thompson Dock and Abercorn Basin will be used on an ongoing basis by leisure craft beyond the Tall Ships event generating an additional attraction in the area and boosting the evening and weekend economy.”

Minister Campbell also said: “This event builds on the already impressive reputation Belfast has built around the world as a hospitable and welcoming city with something for everyone.

“The Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge delivers on so many levels by attracting thousands of visitors, some of whom would not otherwise have visited Northern Ireland.  It provides once in a lifetime opportunities for 60 very lucky young people from across Northern Ireland to participate in the final leg of the race as crew members. Perhaps most importantly, it re-focuses our attention on our rich maritime history and provides a tantalising glimpse of the potential of the Belfast port.”

Concluding the Minister said: “Belfast City Council is to be congratulated on securing the participation of world renowned Class A and B vessels. The arrival of the flotilla of historic ships on Belfast Lough will provide a wonderful display not to be missed.”

Notes to Editors:

1. DCAL operates two funding programmes for events: The Events Growth Fund and the Major Events Fund.  
2. In 2008/9 DCAL Events Unit had a budget of over £2.355m.
3. DCAL has awarded £400,000 over two years towards marketing and production costs attached to the event. The management of funding for events is scheduled to transfer to NITB on 1 April 2009.
4. NITB is a member of the Board of Belfast Tall Ships 2009 Ltd.
5. Press enquiries should be made to DCAL Press Office, Tel: 028 9025 8901 or by email to: press.office@dcalni.gov.uk.
6. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.