Belfast's bid to be European Capital of Culture in 2008 has been given a boost by a new website aimed at attracting tourists and improving the city's image.

The site, www.gotobelfast.com, is now its official tourist website and is a joint initiative between Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau and Investment Belfast.

Increasing numbers of tourists booking holidays is one of the main targets of the facility, which provides information on hotels, transport, airlines, restaurants and entertainment venues. Mr Stephen Prenter of Investment Belfast says 30 per cent of independent travellers to the Mediterranean book their trips online.

"With 110 million Europeans and 50 per cent of Americans having access to the internet, our new site will particularly grow the short city break market by allowing visitors to book flights, car hire, events and accommodation at the click of a mouse," he said. Tourism authorities maintain that better quality marketing and promotion of Belfast has become increasingly important as the city bids for the Capital of Culture title.

The bid will be sent off this week and, if successful, Belfast could reap the financial rewards enjoyed by Glasgow after it won the title. Cllr Tom Hartley said inquiries about the city to the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau were up by more than a third on last year, with the same increase in numbers also noted at the bureau's welcome centre.

"Enhancements to the existing site will enable bureau members to use the internet more effectively," he said. "It will also allow us to become increasingly involved and proficient in direct marketing to audiences who have indicated an interest in visiting Belfast."