The significant rewards of tourism in Northern Ireland have been revealed in a new campaign called 'NI2012: our time, our place'.

The campaign has been rolled out as a way of promoting the country worldwide, in a year of celebrations and commemorations. Events are taking place across the country, in the hope of driving more tourists into the country and, in doing so, creating more revenue and additional jobs.

Figures released as part of the campaign cite a potential £140 million could be made from now until 2015 in increased tourism. This is based on a potential 833,000 additional visitors to the country, creating up to 3,570 jobs. The news will come as an encouraging sign to the travel industry, who will be expected to raise up to the challenge of increased passenger numbers.

The NI2012 campaign hopes to raise the country's profile, drive visitor numbers up and generate an economic impact. People within Northern Ireland are being encouraged to embrace the spirit, which is said to be a proud proclamation and a worldwide invitation.