All roads lead to the North Coast this week as Northern Ireland’s largest outdoor sporting event, the North West 200, gets underway following a funding injection from Tourism Northern Ireland.
Organisers are expecting around 180,000 people, including motorcycle road racing enthusiasts from around the world, to attend the event from May 5 to 10.
As one of Northern Ireland’s hallmark events, the North West 200 is a major driver for the economy and is estimated to have generated almost £10 million last year.
It also brings in an additional £25.4 million in media exposure through live streaming and TV broadcasts, with a massive 1.8 billion global reach – the highest rate of any event in the region.
Top international and national road racers will descend on Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine for the hugely anticipated event, with thousands of racing fans set to flock to the Triangle circuit to watch all the action, including the practice and race sessions.
Visitors can enjoy a packed programme of racing and themed events, nostalgic shows, parades and displays involving celebrities from the world of racing.
Grandstands, live-screen viewing locations, exclusive corporate hospitality, fan zones and interactive event experiences are also available.
The North West 200 is one of 14 events which recently secured funding through Tourism NI’s International Tourism Events Fund.
The ITEF supports events which attract significantly high levels of visitors to Northern Ireland while also generating international media coverage which helps to showcase the region as a must-see travel destination.
Aine Kearney, Interim CEO of Tourism Northern Ireland, said,
“We are delighted to support this year’s North West 200 through our International Tourism Events Fund.
“International tourism events such as this play a vital role in attracting tourists, spectators and event participants to the north.
“The North West 200 contributes significantly to the Northern Ireland economy, attracting thousands of visitors every year and millions of pounds of revenue.
“Hosting events such as the North West 200 gives the region a global platform from which to promote our offering as a world class travel destination.”
Mervyn Whyte MBE, Event Director of the North West 200, said,
“We are delighted to receive funding from Tourism NI through its International Tourism Events Fund.
“The Briggs Equipment North West 200 delivers a significant economic benefit to the Northern Ireland economy.
“Research carried out in relation to the event showed very high levels of satisfaction from those who attend.
“They also have a strong desire to return, not just for the event, but to Northern Ireland as a tourism destination.
“With over 100,000 visitors coming each year, a quarter of which are from overseas, the benefits of the event are clear.”
