Latest figures show unprecedented rise in Northern Ireland tourism

By Adam Evans

The latest tourism figures show a big rise in spending and nights here in Northern Ireland.

Between January and June, visitors spent £417m - 16% more than the same period last year.

The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) show that tourism generated 7.6 million nights, an increase of 18%.

Tourism NI Chief Executive John McGrillen said; 

"Following our announcement last week of a surge in visitors from the Republic of Ireland during the first half of 2017, we now have the full picture for all markets which puts us well on course for our busiest year ever, and to achieve our stated aim of reaching annual revenue of £1 billion by the end of the decade.

"Some £2.3 million was spent by those taking overnight trips in Northern Ireland every day during the first six months of 2017. In addition to the domestic and Republic of Ireland markets, growth is apparent across Europe, North America and further afield, with a 15% increase in visitors from overseas availing of the increased air capacity into Northern Ireland driving both business and holiday trips.

"The positive growth has been supported by an intensive burst of partnership marketing initiatives in the Republic of Ireland highlighting both well established and new tourism offerings from Titanic and the Causeway to Seamus Heaney Homeplace and the Game of Thrones tapestry, alongside high impact campaigns in key markets across the globe by Tourism Ireland.”

"NISRA’s January to August 2017 occupancy and sales figures for hotels show continued growth with summer 2017 on a par with the strong performance in 2016.  Tourism NI’s Industry Barometer indicates positive sentiment for the remainder of the year."