The Online Occupancy Survey
From January 2023, the Occupancy Survey moved to an online methodology. In previous years the survey was based on postal and email returns however the new methodology aims to collect data in a more environmentally conscious and user-friendly way.
Further information and Guidance on how to complete the online survey on the online Occupancy Survey can be found here The Online Occupancy Survey
Tourism data is derived from a variety of sources. The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant effect on these sources. The COVID-19 and the production of statistics page details the effect on NISRA statistics overall and the Impact of COVID-19 on Northern Ireland tourism statistics addresses specific issues with sources normally used in tourism publications. Information on the effect of Covid-19 on the Northern Ireland occupancy survey can be found here. NISRA will continue to publish as much data as possible and will explore other indicators if the original source is affected. However, due to the quality and quantity of some data NISRA has suspended National Statistics status for tourism data until further notice.
Annual hotel occupancy survey results
In May 2017 after assessment by the Office for Statistics Regulation this publication was awarded National Statistics accreditation. National Statistics status means that official statistics meet the highest standards of trustworthiness, quality and public value.
All official statistics should comply with all aspects of the Code of Practice for Official Statistics. They are awarded National Statistics status following an assessment by the Office for Statistics Regulation. The Office for Statistics Regulation considers whether the statistics meet the highest standards of Code compliance, including the value they add to public decisions and debate.
The latest Annual hotel occupancy survey results can be accessed below.
- 2022 Northern Ireland annual hotel occupancy survey
- 2021 Northern Ireland Annual Hotel Occupancy Survey
- 2020 Northern Ireland Annual Hotel Occupancy Survey
- Occupancy survey background notes and methodology
Monthly hotel occupancy survey
The latest hotel occupancy monthly tables can be accessed below:
- July 2023 hotel occupancy survey publications (to be published 7 September 2023 at 9.30am)
- June 2023 hotel occupancy survey publications
- May 2023 hotel occupancy survey publications
The Research section in Tourism Northern Ireland was responsible for any results prior to 2011, these publications can be accessed through the Tourism Northern Ireland website.
Tourism statistics branch also publish statistics on Northern Ireland guesthouse, bed & breakfast and guest accommodation occupancy. These statistics can be accessed below.
Useful links
- Tourism statistics publication schedule
- Tourism statistics early indicators
- Tourism statistics archive publications
More information on data quality can be found at
More information on the quality of administrative sources can be found at
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