Just £400k of COC13 PR war chest secure

The Minister confirmed her Department has secured £400k for a bespoke marketing campaign to support UK City of Culture 2013.

However, she said she wanted to seek a further £600k but had to ask for that “as part of the advertising approvals process for 2013/14.”

“If approved, this will result in my Department providing total support of £1m to the UK City of Culture advertising campaign,” she stated.

The Minister confirmed responsibility for the development and delivery of the One Marketing Plan rest with Derry City Council.

However, Mrs Foster said that whilst the investment of £400k will integrate with the One Marketing Plan, it will be delivered by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB).

“These monies will be used for a bespoke Derry-Londonderry UK City of Culture campaign in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

“This is additional to the activity already being delivered by NITB to support marketing efforts for the City of Culture including strong coverage of the City in the current Spring 2013 campaign and the delivery of a bespoke Derry-Londonderry UK City of Culture Events Guide to every home in Northern Ireland (750,000 residential homes),” explained the Minister.