Cross-border tourism on the rise: All-island report shows triple increase in past decade

A recent joint study conducted by Ulster University and Dublin City University has revealed significant differences in the economic impact of tourism between Ireland and Northern Ireland. The study found that there were more than 1.3 million cross-border visits made to Northern Ireland in 2023, a substantial increase from almost 400,000 visits in 2013.

Interestingly, international visits in Northern Ireland grew by 33% from 2013 to 2019, while in Ireland, the growth was even higher at 46%. The authors of the study noted that despite some public commentary suggesting otherwise, the number of trips from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland has increased dramatically over the past decade.

The report also highlighted the importance of visitors from Great Britain to both regions, with two-thirds of visitors to Northern Ireland coming from Great Britain compared to one-third in Ireland. Additionally, the study found that visitors tend to stay for fewer nights in Northern Ireland, particularly long-haul visitors.

Overall, the tourism industry in both Northern Ireland and Ireland was described as “buoyant and resilient,” with strong evidence of a bounce back from the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The study emphasized the need for continued cooperation and collaboration in the tourism sector to drive economic growth and improve wages in the industry.

Professor John Doyle, vice president for Research at Dublin City University, highlighted the opportunity for economic growth and increased profitability in the tourism sector, emphasizing the need for enhanced cooperation between the two regions to create a unified tourism offering. This, he believes, will help Northern Ireland close the gap with the Republic and attract more visitors to the region.