Tourist expenditure increased in Northern Ireland in 2012, despite the fact that visitor numbers remained largely unchanged.

This was the main finding in a new report by the Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency (NISRA).

The Annual Tourism Statistics Report for 2012 includes statistics from a number of NISRA sources as well as estimates supplied by organisations in the Republic of Ireland.

It found that overall overnight visitor numbers were virtually unchanged, at 3,965,000 in 2012 compared to 3,960,000 in 2011.

Tourist expenditure in Northern Ireland grew by 7% (£42m) between 2011 and 2012. This growth is estimated to have contributed £683m to the economy.

Overall visitor numbers from outside Northern Ireland increased by 3% (53,000) to 1,984,000 in 2012.

This included a 16% increase in visitors from the Republic to 0.43m, a 2% fall in visitors from Great Britain to 1.03m and no change in the number of other European visitors over the year.

There was a 1% increase in North American visitors and a 9% increase in visitors from other destinations.

Visitors from great Britain spent an additional £8m, overseas visitors spent a further £6m, Republic of Ireland residents’ spend increased by £10m, while Northern Ireland residents spent a further £18m over the period.

The number of overnight trips by Northern Ireland residents within Northern Ireland fell 2% between 2011 and 2012. But expenditure by local residents rose by 10% from £177m to £195m in 2012.

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster said: "Given that 2012 was a tipping point for the Northern Ireland tourism industry with the ni2012 campaign, it is particularly pleasing that in 2012 we increased our holidaymakers from external markets by 19%.

"The Republic of Ireland market has performed particularly well with visits increasing by 16% and expenditure increasing by £10million on the 2011 figures, which is very encouraging and reflects the growth potential of this important sector."

The Minister added: "On closer analysis of the latest figures the main area of decline is for those visiting friends and relatives. We have held our own in a difficult climate as far as true holidaymakers are concerned and this is reflected in our high hotel occupancy figures.

"Even Britain, despite the Olympics, showed only 1% growth for 2012 and ROI experienced zero growth with a 4% reduction in GB visitors."

(IT/CD)