Official visitor numbers rise for tourism Northern Ireland
By ELEANOR MCGILLIE 30 October, 2015
LIVE It Experience It has welcomed the latest official figures released by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency which shows visitor numbers for 2015 are on the rise compared to those in 2014.
The figures, released by Nisra, reveal in the 12 months leading up to June 2015, 67 cruise ships visited Northern Ireland carrying a total of 110,000 people including visitors and crew.
The statistics show visitor numbers increasing, based on trips made by overnight tourists from Great Britain (GB) and overseas, Republic of Ireland (ROI) as well as NI residents taking overnight trips within NI (Domestic Tourism).
The figures indicate a significant increase in business visitors and increases in visitors from many of our external markets including Great Britain, North America and mainland Europe.
Eleanor McGillie from Live It Experience It said an increase in visitor numbers is a crucial message to deliver as it shows a developing interest in Northern Ireland as a great place to experience.
She said: “The latest official figures reveal an increase in visitor numbers for the full year to June 2014. It’s fantastic news for businesses working in the tourism sector who are increasingly confident that Northern Ireland is a place not to be missed by the international traveller.
“As a cluster collaboration here in Northern Ireland we are constantly striving to promote our tourism businesses, our place and what it has to offer – not just for the international traveller but also for the domestic audience.
“Our region is a beautiful place and we have to work together and have the confidence to show it off.”
With visits by NI residents excluded, the number of external visitors increased by 2 per cent to below one million when compared to the same period in 2014.
However, the total visitor spend is down by 4 per cent, to £725m – a decline blamed on movements in foreign exchange rates.
The figures also show a significant increase in business visitors and increases in visitors from many of our external markets including Great Britain, North America and mainland Europe.
Also welcoming the latest figures is the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Jonathan Bell, has said he is encouraged by the Nisra findings.
Minister Jonathan Bell, said: “I am encouraged by these latest figures which show that visitor numbers in 2015 are continuing to rise ahead of the record numbers achieved in 2014.
“The tourism sector is becoming increasingly important to the Northern Ireland economy and it is important we maintain the momentum built up over the last few years in showcasing Northern Ireland on the world stage as a great place to visit.
“Overall, the picture on tourism performance in the first half of 2015 is positive with a steady increase in our external visitors.”
The minister added: “I also welcome the increase in the number of people coming here on business and it is important that we continue to grow this sector, as business tourists traditionally spend more.”
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Live It Experience It’ is a cluster of tourism businesses working together to promote our region through water, air and land based activities, food and drink and great places to stay. If you would like to become a member business in our ‘Live It Experience It’ cluster please submit your information through our online form. Pitch your business and meet like minded tourism businesses who you could cluster with. #liveitexperienceit
