Tourism Ireland is confident about prospects for 2013, despite recent findings from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency pointing to a dip in overseas visitors to Northern Ireland.

Launching Tourism Ireland’s marketing plans for next year, Tourism Minister Arlene Foster said Londonderry's reign as the UK's City of Culture would be a key feature in selling the destination to the overseas market in 2013.

"Despite what recent provisional figures may have said, we have much to be optimistic about. Titanic Belfast smashed visitor targets, with 615,000 people passing through the doors to date," she said. "A Belfast Visitor and Convention survey showed a 14.1 per cent rise in visitors coming to the city, with a 21.7 per cent increase in people coming from the Republic of Ireland."

Key markets to be targeted are the US, mainland Europe, Australia and other emerging markets, as well as the UK, with the GB Path to Growth campaign. Campaigns will be aimed at young people, urban adventurers and the over 45s who want to explore the landscapes, history and culture.