22/05/2026
Economy Minister Welcomes Strong Growth in 2025 Tourism Statistics
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has welcomed the latest tourism statistics for 2025, which demonstrate a steady increase in both visitor numbers and overall tourism expenditure across Northern Ireland.
The data, published today by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), reveals that total tourism expenditure reached £1.2 billion in 2025. This represents a 9% growth compared to the figures recorded in 2024, matching a parallel 9% rise in overall visitor numbers.
The Minister said: "These are very welcome statistics for our tourism industry, showing a sector that is growing steadily and demonstrating how vital it is to our economy. As Economy Minister, I have supported the sector and will continue to do so as we work to build on this positive momentum."
The figures highlight that the All-Ireland economy is acting as a primary driver for this growth, with trips made by visitors travelling from the south to the north increasing by 15% over the course of 2025. Total cross-border trips rose to 1.3 million last year, up from 1.1 million in 2024. Furthermore, expenditure by southern visitors experienced a 31% surge, rising from £243 million in 2024 to £317 million in 2025.
Dr Archibald continued: "With Belfast hosting the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and Derry celebrating the 40th anniversary of its world-renowned Halloween Festival, we can expect this positive trend to continue.
"County Fermanagh is now also a key part of the Ireland's Hidden Heartlands regional brand, a real asset to driving visitor numbers to this beautiful part of the world and delivering real economic benefit for the region."
The NISRA statistics also show an estimated total of 5.1 million overnight trips taken during the year, with 70% of these stays occurring outside of the Belfast City Council area.
Commenting on the regional spread, the Minister said: "Tourism is one of our key successes and a regional economic driver. Visitors who visit here are spending in and supporting our tourism businesses and local communities right across the north."
Looking forward to future development goals, the Minister added: "I meet regularly with the industry to hear at first-hand the opportunities and challenges they face, and I have been hugely impressed with their optimism, drive, and ambition. I am determined to continue to work with the industry to deliver my Tourism Vision & Action Plan which aims to increase tourism expenditure to £2billion by 2035."
The data, published today by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), reveals that total tourism expenditure reached £1.2 billion in 2025. This represents a 9% growth compared to the figures recorded in 2024, matching a parallel 9% rise in overall visitor numbers.
The Minister said: "These are very welcome statistics for our tourism industry, showing a sector that is growing steadily and demonstrating how vital it is to our economy. As Economy Minister, I have supported the sector and will continue to do so as we work to build on this positive momentum."
The figures highlight that the All-Ireland economy is acting as a primary driver for this growth, with trips made by visitors travelling from the south to the north increasing by 15% over the course of 2025. Total cross-border trips rose to 1.3 million last year, up from 1.1 million in 2024. Furthermore, expenditure by southern visitors experienced a 31% surge, rising from £243 million in 2024 to £317 million in 2025.
"County Fermanagh is now also a key part of the Ireland's Hidden Heartlands regional brand, a real asset to driving visitor numbers to this beautiful part of the world and delivering real economic benefit for the region."
The NISRA statistics also show an estimated total of 5.1 million overnight trips taken during the year, with 70% of these stays occurring outside of the Belfast City Council area.
Commenting on the regional spread, the Minister said: "Tourism is one of our key successes and a regional economic driver. Visitors who visit here are spending in and supporting our tourism businesses and local communities right across the north."
Looking forward to future development goals, the Minister added: "I meet regularly with the industry to hear at first-hand the opportunities and challenges they face, and I have been hugely impressed with their optimism, drive, and ambition. I am determined to continue to work with the industry to deliver my Tourism Vision & Action Plan which aims to increase tourism expenditure to £2billion by 2035."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy start with the odd spot of light rain. Bright spells developing through the morning then further rain is likely for a time in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 21 °C.Tonight:Rain will clear northeast through the evening, turning heavy for a time. Then staying dry overnight with variable cloud and clear spells. Minimum temperature 10 °C.