Irish splurge €57m shopping up North

IRISH shoppers spent almost €57 million in the North last year, an increase of 16% on the previous year.

Visitor numbers from the Republic to the North soared 26% as 367,000 trips were made by residents of the Republic.

Meanwhile, The Outlet at Banbridge, Co Down, said in the last year the average shopper spend was up by 13.5% while its “car counts” showed 83% more Irish registered vehicles in the car park than a year ago.

Over the Christmas period the number of shoppers travelling from the Republic increased by 150%.

Euan Forbes, manager of the centre, said there was a influx of shoppers every weekend.

“Our retailers and the area as a whole are benefiting from a consistent flow of traffic from the South,” he said.

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster said that the increase in visitor numbers to the North had exceeded expectations.

“Short-term opportunities are available through the strong euro. However, to maximise the benefits in the future we must continue to promote an excellent and value for money experience across Northern Ireland,” she said.

“Closer to home markets are key to delivering long term growth for our tourism industry. Short-term opportunities are available through the strong euro, however to maximise the benefits in the future we must continue to promote an excellent and value for money experience across Northern Ireland,” she added.

During the last year the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, (NITB) has invested heavily in marketing the North domestically and within the Republic.

Chief operating officer at NITB Kathryn Thomson said: “Our most recent campaign was launched in spring of this year to the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland markets and was created to encourage both day trips and short breaks in Northern Ireland. The amount invested across both markets was just over £2 million and the results of the campaign are tangible.

“Evaluation of the Republic market indicates that 64% of the adult population claim to have seen or heard the campaign and as a result, 64,000 people have taken or booked a short break. A further 170,000 people have chosen to take a day trip from the Republic.”

Ms Thomson said the significant rise in “pure holiday” visitors from the Republic was positive: “More visitors are coming here to experience the many attractions that Northern Ireland has to offer.”