Inward Tourist Gets Boosted

As NI hits the headlines this week with the arrival of the MTV Awards, an increase in overseas visitors to Northern Ireland has been revealed.

Overseas visitors to Northern Ireland rose by 11% in the first six months of 2011, Tourism Minister Arlene Foster said today.

The Tourism Statistics for the first six months of 2011 also revealed that overseas visitors spent an estimated £165million during the period, an increase of 24% compared with January-June 2010.

Arlene Foster said: “These are very encouraging figures particularly as Northern Ireland prepares to launch a host of exciting events to celebrate NI2012.

“Tourism Ireland's autumn campaign is also now well underway. This major promotional campaign is aimed at attracting more tourists this autumn and is being rolled out in Great Britain, the US and Mainland Europe.

"The campaign features Belfast festivals, the run up to Titanic and NI2012 and will also incorporate a focus on attracting visitors to more rural destinations," she added.

Northern Ireland residents also took more trips within NI with an associated spend of £46 million compared to last year.

The Minister continued: “In addition, visitors from one of our most important markets, Great Britain, rose by 7% compared to the same time last year and spending increased by 16%.

“Next year, our place will be one of the most exciting places to visit for local people and tourists alike. I am confident that visitors from across the world will continue to make Northern Ireland one of their must-see destinations.”

(BMcC)