Belfast Tourism Forum (BTF) has called on the government and tourism industry to work together and capitalise on the tourism potential offered by next year's Titanic centenary.

The forum, a joint public and private sector body which was set up by Belfast City Council (BCC), aims to grow visitor numbers to the Northern Irish capital to 2.38 million by 2014.

BTF chair and BCC director of development John McGrillen said: "It is vital that we fully capitalise upon the tremendous, once in a life time, potential that next year affords us.

"The centenary of the Titanic, and the London Olympics, will both have an enormous impact on tourism here, and it is vital that we are ready to offer a world-class visitor experience."