Northern Ireland tourism minister Arlene Foster is to launch a new tourism showcase in New York, US, in a bid to attract more visitors and new investment opportunities.

The 'Experience Northern Ireland - Titanic and More' showcase at the city's Grand Central Terminal is set to take place between 24-29 September and has been organised by Tourism Ireland. National Museums Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau are also involved with the showcase.

The event is part of a three-year scheme to raise Northern Ireland's profile and will feature a Titanic exhibition to examine the country's role in the ill-fated liner's history. Foster said: "Tourism is now one of the most important indigenous industries in Northern Ireland and plays a chief role in our export economy. In the period 2002-2009, overseas tourism contributed more than £2.1bn to the economy of Northern Ireland.

"During the current difficult economic period Tourism Ireland has embarked on a specific Northern Ireland marketing programme highlighting gateway cities with direct access, such as New York." Northern Ireland culture and arts minister Nelson McCausland will also attend the launch of the showcase.