The visit of journalists from Belgium, Norway, France, Germany and Britain underlines the massive international interest in the spectacular event which is expected to attract over 200,000 visitors to the North West and generate nearly 50 million for the local economy. Westlife's Shane, who also spearheaded the official launch of Rally Ireland last year, delayed a family break to welcome the media delegation to Sligo on Saturday. "Shane has played a key role in promoting the event and we're very grateful for all the effort he has made to give the rally added profile. He event postponed his departure for a family break last week-end so that he could welcome the international media delegation", explained Clr. Deirdre Healy McGowan, Chairperson of Sligo Rally Ireland Festival Committee. During a three-day visit to the region, international journalists toured the North West and were given a helicopter trip over the various stage routes. They also joined rally driver, Shaun Gallagher, in his World Rally Championship Subaru around a specially set up stage in Leitrim. Martin Bromley, General Manager of Failte Ireland North West, said the visit of the journalists showed the true international nature of the World Rally Championship and Rally Ireland. She pointed out that from a tourism point of view, Rally Ireland provided the North West with a great opportunity to showcase the very best of the region and secure significant international exposure. Commenting on the media tour, John Naylor, Event Organiser, Rally Ireland, said he was delighted that so many international journalists had seen at first hand the attractiveness of the North West and the various stage routes which would make Rally Ireland such a competitive and spectacular event. Chairman of Failte Ireland North West, Pachal Mooney, said the North West's infrastructure was perfect for hosting an event of this kind and said the Rally would provide a timely boost for tourism providers in the region. Rally Ireland, the first stage of the 2009 World Rally Championship, takes place throughout the North West from January 29th to February 1st. The spectacular Service Park will be located at Sligo IT with the Rally Headquarters at the Clarion Hotel. The last Rally Ireland event in November 2007 attracted 250,000 spectators, generated 48 million in economic benefit to the region and was viewed in over 180 countries by over 62 million people. Meanwhile, the launch of the ceremonial start of Rally Ireland was held in Enniskillen last Thursday. The County Fermanagh town will have the honour of starting the rally on the evening of January 29th. Over 10,000 spectators are expected in Enniskillen for the event.
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