Business

Huge boost in tourism numbers from the Republic

The number of visitors to Northern Ireland from the Republic increased by almost a quarter in the first half of the year.
The number of visitors to Northern Ireland from the Republic increased by almost a quarter in the first half of the year. The number of visitors to Northern Ireland from the Republic increased by almost a quarter in the first half of the year.

The number of visitors to Northern Ireland from the Republic increased by almost a quarter in the first half of the year, with total spend rising to almost £40 million.

The latest figures from the Central Statistics Office show visitor spend from the Republic increased by 75 per cent, while there was a 23 per cent rise in visitors between January and June in comparison to the same period a year ago.

The number of overnight stays by visitors from the Republic also grew by 10 per cent from 434,000 last year to 476,000.

Tourism NI said value for money was a key reason for the increase in visitors.

“The favourable exchange rates have helped to entice more visitors from this key market and encouraged them to spend more, with the euro worth 11 per cent more during January to June 2017 compared to the same period in 2016," director of marketing, Naomi Waite said.