Northern Ireland Tourism Sees Strong Recovery: 2023 Statistics Reveal £1.2 Billion Boost
Northern Ireland’s tourism industry has made a significant comeback in 2023, according to the latest Annual Tourism Statistics published by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA). After a challenging period marked by the Covid-19 pandemic, the new figures reveal a resilient sector, with 5.4 million overnight trips contributing an impressive £1.2 billion to the local economy.
Tourism on the Rebound
The report, which covers the calendar year of 2023, marks the first comprehensive set of tourism statistics since 2019, reflecting the industry’s recovery and adaptation following the pandemic. The 2023 data establishes a new baseline for Northern Ireland’s tourism, using a revised methodology that offers fresh insights into the sector’s performance.
According to the report, Northern Ireland welcomed an estimated 5.4 million overnight trips in 2023. These trips, which include visits by both external tourists and local residents, generated £1.2 billion in expenditure, highlighting the economic importance of tourism to the region.
External and Domestic Visitors
Breaking down the figures, the report shows that external visitors—those coming from outside Northern Ireland—accounted for 3.3 million overnight trips, contributing £0.9 billion to the economy. This influx of international and cross-border visitors underscores Northern Ireland’s appeal as a tourist destination, drawing visitors from far and wide.
Domestic tourism also played a crucial role, with local residents making 2.1 million overnight trips within Northern Ireland. These trips made up 40% of the total overnight stays, reinforcing the importance of the domestic market in sustaining the tourism industry.
Accommodation Trends
The report also sheds light on accommodation trends across Northern Ireland. Hotel room occupancy for 2023 was recorded at 64%, reflecting a strong demand for hotel stays throughout the year. In contrast, guest houses, bed & breakfasts, and other guest accommodations saw an estimated occupancy rate of 38%, indicating room for growth in these segments of the market.
Tourism Business Landscape
As of 2023, Northern Ireland was home to 5,845 tourism businesses, with a significant majority (77%) operating outside of Belfast City Council’s jurisdiction. This distribution highlights the widespread impact of tourism across the region, benefiting communities beyond the capital and fostering economic growth in rural and coastal areas.
Looking Ahead
The publication of these statistics marks a return to regular data collection and reporting for Northern Ireland’s tourism sector, following disruptions caused by the pandemic. As the industry continues to recover and evolve, these figures provide a crucial snapshot of its current state, offering valuable insights for businesses, policymakers, and stakeholders looking to capitalise on the region’s tourism potential.
With the foundations now firmly re-established, Northern Ireland is well-positioned to build on this momentum in the coming years, attracting even more visitors and further boosting the local economy.
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