Newry and Armagh MP Conor Murphy has called for maximum efforts from all those associated with the Giro d’Italia bike race to ensure the best return for south Armagh. The Giro d’Italia is the second biggest bike race in the world has a huge following and will be viewed in 170 countries as the race progresses. “I met with the race organisers last summer to encourage them to include the south Armagh Ring of Gullion on the route and since then I have been engaging with the Tourist Board, both Newry and Mourne and Armagh Councils and the public to ensure we maximise the opportunities this event will bring. Not only with this be and exciting spectacle for the people of the area but there will be a huge influx of visitors bringing a much needed economic boost for local businesses. We also have a chance to showcase the beauty of the Armagh countryside across the globe which will help promote tourism in future years. The Tourist Board and the councils must work closely with the race organisers and the media to ensure this golden opportunity is not missed. Communities along the route are already gearing up to join in the festival atmosphere that will accompany this prestigious race with everyone going ‘pink’ for the big day in May. I hope that everyone will play their part in displaying all that is good about south Armagh.” For its part Newry and Mourne District Council has confirmed in response to queries from the Newry Reporter as to what plans it has in place for the forthcoming Giro d’Italia passing through south Armagh on Sunday May 11 that “Council have been engaging through various public forums to engage the views of the local community on how to maximise the opportunity the event will bring to the area.” The council also revealed that it was “working with NITB on promotional opportunities within the region. The council have been a conduit to provide accommodation offerings to the Discover NI website. The council will be actively seeking unique stories associated with Giro events which will profile the region. The council are liasing with NITB on the use of the Giro d’Italia promotional logo to prepare locally targeted promotional material.” However Council did not reveal what plans it has or will have in place and when they will be announced.
Newry Reporter
26th March 2014
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