Statistics on the Northern Ireland tourism industry from 2019 show that it generated over £1bn in revenue for the first time before COVID struck.
Northern Ireland has always had a strong tourism industry, but new figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) show that 2019 was a truly record-breaking year for businesses in the tourism sector. The total revenue from tourism jumped 8% over 2018 figures, breaking the £1bn mark for the first time in our history.
The rise included significant growth in international tourism but also a sharp 28% rise in overnight trips from residents of the Republic of Ireland. These are the last official figures on tourism from before the COVID-19 pandemic, which has understandably decimated tourism around the world.
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The new statistics have underscored the need to retain a strong tourism industry during the current downturn and help those businesses that currently can't function to stay afloat. It's expected that tourism will be a vital role in Northern Ireland's economic recovery after the pandemic ends, but some businesses in the sector have already had to close their doors for good due to the recent drop in business.
Tourism NI’s Chief Executive, John McGrillen said: "The 2019 tourism statistics released by NISRA, whilst welcome, are really bittersweet. The figures show how well the tourism industry was performing before the current crisis resulting from Covid-19. They do however show the growing interest in Northern Ireland as a tourism destination, particularly in close-to-home markets."
Economy Minister Diane Dodds commented on the statistics: "The fact that the industry generated more than £1billion in revenue last year for the first time is very heartening. The 9% increase in tourism employee figures from 2017 levels is also to be welcomed. These statistics show that Northern Ireland has the product – and the people – to attract visitors, generate revenue, and have hope for the future."
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Source: Written based on press release
