IRELAND: Northern Ireland Targets 2 Million Foreign Tourists 2016

Northern Ireland is aiming to break through the two million barrier for overseas visitors next year.

Tourism Ireland set the target as it launched its marketing plans for 2016 in Belfast.

New advertising will include images of the Gobbins cliff path, the new £6m visitor attraction at Islandmagee.

The campaign has the potential to reach 26 million prospective holidaymakers in France and Germany alone, according to Tourism Ireland.

Its chief executive Niall Gibbons said: "We will highlight the Gobbins cliff path around the world, while continuing to place a major focus on other iconic experiences like Titanic Belfast and the Giant's Causeway."

The organisation estimates overseas visitor numbers this year of 1.9 million, up 5% on 2014.

Tourism Ireland is responsible for external promotion of tourism, north and south.

Tourism Northern Ireland looks after domestic markets.

The Republic of Ireland is expecting eight million visitors from overseas in 2016.