Place Walled City of Londonderry on UNESCO’s List of World Heritage Sites says Munce
UUP Foyle Assembly candidate for Foyle, Peter Munce has launched a campaign today to have Derry’s walls placed on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites recognizing its cultural significance and tourism potential.
Joined by the Young Unionists on Saturday and party leader Sir Reg Empey on Friday, Mr Munce said it was time to maximize fully the tourism potential of Derry’s walls by campaigning for World Heritage Status.
Speaking today Mr Munce said,
“The Northern Ireland tourist board has recently completed some good work on marketing the tourism potential of Londonderry but we must seek new and innovative ways of taking this work forward. Campaigning for UNESCO World heritage status is one way of doing this.
“However, It is quite clear that for a variety of reasons, Londonderry and the wider Foyle area has not maximized its tourism potential over the years. Recently plans were unveiled for a new, 160 ft statue of Saint Columba to stand in the river foyle. It was envisaged that this would cost around 15million pounds. However, would a more cost effective way not be to invest more money in promoting Derry’s walls?
“At present there are 27 sites in the United Kingdom on UNESCO’s list and only 1, the Giants Causeway, in Northern Ireland. Imagine if Derry’s walls were placed on the world heritage list? Londonderry would have world wide international status as a must see destination and it would significantly enhance the areas tourism marketability.
“Inscription as a world heritage site is the highest commendation a place can receive – a real recognition of global significance, which brings with it international prestige.
“World heritage status, as has been proven elsewhere, would bring significant economic benefits to the area. But of course we can also measure the benefits of world heritage list status in social terms too as we search for a way to build a new future in this city and a shared sense of identity and pride. After all, this city won’t be a good place for any of us to live in until it’s a good place of all of us to live in.”