Speaking after attending the official NITB launch in Titantic, Belfast Lord Mayor Haughey-Grimley said, "This is really exciting news for Ireland and especially for Armagh. The Giro d'Italia is second to the Tour de France and will bring world class athletes to our city in 2014. It is also expected to bring hundreds of thousands of spectators to Ireland, many of whom I hope will come to the Armagh stage of the cycle.
"This has major potential for Armagh City in terms of tourism, world-wide promotion and is a major boost to the local hospitality trade who will benefit significantly from this event. At a time when many local businesses are struggling this news will come with great sense of hope and optimism.
"It will be the perfect opportunity to promote Armagh to a worldwide audience and we will need to be working from now to ensure Armagh capitalises on government grants and assistance to ensure the City and District is looking as good as it can be.
"Armagh is a very fitting setting for this Tour de Italy, as the Essclesistical Capital of Ireland the backdrop of the two cathedrals, our beautiful georgian city and the majesty of our beautiful countryside will inspire many and should boost tourism greatly.
"This is great news for Armagh and as First Citizen I am very proud that Armagh has been included in the route and I look forward to this wonderful event."