NI tourist numbers to pass 2,000,000

The number of visitors travelling to Northern Ireland will burst through the 2,000,000 barrier for the first time, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board predicted today.

Issuing its latest visitor figures, the NITB said it anticipated a 14% increase in holiday visitors this year.

Chief executive Alan Clarke said, based on January to September performance, initial estimates for 2004 are the most encouraging yet, with an increase of 6% in total visits to 2.059,000, while holiday visits also show a growth of 14% to 406,000.

Indeed the figures show an increase in total visitor numbers of 23% since 2000, and a rise of 33% in holiday visitors.

“We anticipate an extra 51,000 holidaymakers – mainly from North America, Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.”

All markets were on the increase, said the NITB, with greatest growth seen from North America, up 25% on last year.

Britain continued to account for the vast majority of visitors, and while numbers were up just 4% on the year, they were up almost 50% since 2000.

With the July marching season being more peaceful than for years, the NITB said it was “particularly pleasing” to report the month recorded the highest ever visitor figures.

Mr Clarke said the challenge now was to sustain the growth.