HU Welcomes Growth In NI Tourism Numbers But Calls For More Help For Regions

06 July 2017

Hospitality Ulster Welcomes Growth in Tourism Numbers to NI, Calls for More Help for Regions and Extended Sunday Retail Hours for Belfast.

Commenting on the latest tourism statistics for Northern Ireland, Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster said:

"Today’s tourism statistics show the importance of the sector to Northern Ireland’s economy and demonstrate not only how more tourists are visiting the region, but are also spending more money as the hospitality sector continues to grow and add value to the economy.

In Belfast there was an increase of almost £60 million in terms of tourism spend in 2016 compared to 2015. The statistics also show that the district of Derry/Londonderry city and Strabane saw an increase of more than 60,000 overnight trips in the same period.

While the overall numbers are most certainly positive, they also show that there is more need for investment and promotion in regions of Northern Ireland that aren’t as well established as tourist destinations in order that the benefits of tourism and hospitality are more evenly spread.

Belfast city council should also revisit its decision not to extend retail opening hours in the city on Sundays."