Tourism Ireland welcomes +2% growth in overseas visitors and +4% growth in revenue to Northern Ireland for 2017.
Positive +4% growth in overseas holiday visitors for 2017.
Tourism Ireland has welcomed figures for overseas visitors to Northern Ireland for 2017, published by NISRA (Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency) today.
The figures confirm that we welcomed a record 2.175 million overseas visitors – up +2%, or almost 43,000 additional overseas visitors, on 2016.
Holiday visitors accounted for 709,000 overseas visitors (up almost +4% on 2016); and, more importantly for the economy, revenue from overseas visitors to Northern Ireland grew by over +4% (£566 million).
Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “Figures published by NISRA today confirm that we welcomed a record 2.175 million overseas visitors to Northern Ireland in 2017, an increase of +2% over 2016. I am particularly pleased to see growth of +4% in holidaymakers from overseas, with significant increases recorded from North America (+19%) and Australia and Developing Markets (+21%). Overseas visitors delivered more than £566 million for the local economy, up over +4%.”
In 2018, Tourism Ireland aims to build on the 2017 performance – growing overseas tourism revenue to £623 million, driven by more than 2.3 million overseas visitors.
Niall Gibbons continued: “Tourism Ireland is determined to ensure that tourism growth from overseas continues and we are rolling out an extensive programme of promotions throughout 2018, to promote Northern Ireland around the world. We continue to create ‘stand out’ for Northern Ireland, highlighting attractions and experiences like Titanic Belfast, the Causeway Coastal Route and our National Trust properties; and to leverage our connection with Game of Thrones. Tourism Ireland’s activity also includes a focus on golf and the fact that Royal Portrush will host The Open in 2019. We are committed to ensuring that Northern Ireland continues to increase its share of the global travel business.”
Overseas tourism delivers about £566 million per year for the Northern Ireland economy, helping to sustain over 61,000 jobs in local communities.
Summary Performance
January-December 2017 v January-December 2016
| Total – All Markets | GB | North America | Mainland Europe | Other Areas | |
| Total Overseas Visitors | +2% | +1% | +3% | +1% | +18% |
| Holiday Visitors | +4% | +2% | +19% | -11% | +21% |
| Overseas Revenue | +4% | +1% | -5% | +10% | +31% |
