25,000 to line Derry's streets
Up to 25,000 people are set to descend on Derry this weekend for Europe's largest Halloween Carnival - generating half a million pounds for the local economy.
It's also been revealed that hotel occupancy over the weekend has rocketed to 85% - with a remarkable 97% of rooms filled for the Saturday night.
City centre pubs are also expecting a bumper night. Jason Doherty of the Bentley Bar says Halloween ranks alongside New Year's Eve and St Patrick's Day as the busiest times for the trade.
"No doubt it's one of the busiest nights of the year," he said. "This place will be packed from early evening, from 8pm onwards. We expect to be flat out. It will be a good night's craic and, hopefully, a good night's takings."
Derry City Council has been working in partnership with private and public sector organisations to make sure the Foyle Halloween Carnival is one to remember - and for all the right reasons.
Halloween's spooktacular schedule! click here
Derry's Mayor Paul Fleming said: "In this current economic climate, any additional business is most welcome, and I am delighted that Halloween is helping to draw in needed revenue and business at this time."
In 2008, almost one third of those celebrating Halloween in Derry travelled to the city from across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and even further afield.
In order to continue the trend for 2009, Derry City Council and Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau have been actively promoting the experience Halloween in the city offers to families.
Karen Houlahan, DVCB Sales and Marketing Manager, has been working hard on the campaign.
"We have really ramped up the marketing effort for 2009, as we know how important it is to attract visitors to the city, especially as Halloween falls on a Saturday night this year.
"We have been working very closely with Northern Ireland Tourist Board to secure some fantastic promotion. Derry is currently featured in NITB's TV and billboard campaign and a visit to the city is the prize in their online competition. In addition, we have secured a range of radio and newspapers coverage in both the North and South. We also co-ordinated a week-long promotional campaign in Belfast in conjunction with our city's hotels".
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Derry
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 14 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
