The North’s tourism sector received a significant financial boost amidst challenging circumstances, thanks to a surge in visitors from the Republic, according to the body responsible for endorsing Northern Ireland’s tourism. As per data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), in 2023, the Republic saw about 1.3 million people venturing into Northern Ireland, marking an increase of 46.4 per cent from the year before. The visiting population contributed almost £268 million to the economy, up by 47.9 per cent.
Furthermore, tourism in Northern Ireland benefited from approximately three million overnight stays across holiday and business tourism. Tourism NI’s chief executive, John McGrillen, lauded the results as exceptional, considering the harsh economic conditions and heightened competition from other destinations. He attributed the success to additional investment in creating new visitor experiences in the recent past and innovative marketing strategies in the Republic of Ireland. Despite facing obstacles, McGrillen is hopeful about the sector’s ability to continue growing.