Increased number of overnight trips to NI from outside of the UK and ROI
Date published:
New official statistics published 29/05/2025 by NISRA statisticians in the Department of Finance reveal that in 2024, there were an estimated 4.7 million (4.692 million) overnight trips in Northern Ireland, with an associated expenditure of £1.1 billion.
Overnight trips from outside the United Kingdom (UK) and Republic of Ireland (ROI) made up 0.6 million (12%) of the 4.7 million total overnight trips. The rest of the total was made up by 1.6 million NI local residents (33%), 1.4 million from Great Britain (30%) and 1.1 million from Republic of Ireland (24%).
Survey respondents were asked for the reason of their overnight visits, the main reason given for the overnight trips was for "holiday/pleasure/leisure" at 2.4 million (51%) of the 4.7 million total overnight visits.
The second most common reason given was "visiting friends and relatives" at 1.7 million (37%) of the 4.7 million total overnight visits.
Key findings:
- Despite the increase in overnight trips by external visitors (from outside UK and ROI), the decline in overnight trips by visitors from ROI and the NI domestic market has resulted in an overall decrease in overnight trips and expenditure in 2024.
- Compared to the previous year, the 2024 annual tourism figures indicate a statistically significant change in both the overall number of overnight trips to Northern Ireland and the expenditure associated with these overnight trips (down 13% and 10% respectively).
- The estimated hotel room occupancy rate in Northern Ireland during 2024 was 68%, in 2023 this was 64%.
- The estimated room occupancy rate for guest houses, bed & breakfasts and guest accommodation for 2024 was 40%, in 2023 this was 38%.
- In 2024, there were an estimated 10 million same day visits within NI. As expected, the majority (80%) of these were taken by NI residents, with a further 16% taken by ROI residents crossing the border.
- During these same day visits, an estimated £703 million was spent in NI. An average £70.50 was spent during a same day visit in NI.
About the publication:
This report presents an overall picture of Northern Ireland tourism in 2024, with information on overnight trips, origin of visitors, day trips, occupancy of hotel and commercial establishments and Local Government District estimates.
Where appropriate comparisons have been made with the 2023 publication.
This bulletin is an official statistics publication, it is produced on an annual basis by NISRA statisticians in the Department of Finance.
Further Information:
For the full HTML version report please visit: Northern Ireland Tourism
Publication page and associated documents and tables: NI Annual Tourism Statistics 2024 | Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency