Record Tourism Growth in Derry City and Strabane District in 2025
Derry City and Strabane District Council reported a landmark year for tourism in 2025, with new data revealing substantial increases in visitor numbers, overnight stays, and tourism-related spending.
According to statistics from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra), tourism generated nearly £94 million in 2025, with overnight visitor numbers rising by 35% compared to the previous year.
These figures position the council area among the top-performing tourism destinations in Northern Ireland.
"These figures are hugely encouraging and reflect the growing appeal of our city and district as a world-class tourism destination,"said Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ruairí McHugh.
"From our vibrant cultural offering and internationally recognised events programme to our stunning landscapes, heritage and warm welcome, more visitors are choosing Derry and Strabane and, importantly, they are staying longer and spending more while they are here."
Tourism Generates £1.2 Billion Across Northern Ireland in 2025
Belfast recorded the highest number of overnight trips among local government districts in 2025, with approximately 1.5 million trips, accounting for 30% of all overnight trips in Northern Ireland.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council followed as the second highest, with 1.2 million overnight trips.
Across Northern Ireland, Nisra documented 5.1 million overnight trips in 2025, resulting in £1.2 billion in visitor expenditure.
Visit Derry Chief Executive, Odhran Dunne, highlighted the role of ongoing investment and collaboration in tourism's success.
"The significant growth in overnight trips and visitor spend demonstrates the importance of our relationships with national and international travel partners, as well as targeted sales and marketing campaigns that help position the destination in a highly competitive marketplace,"Dunne said.
Jennifer O'Donnell, tourism manager with Derry City and Strabane District Council, emphasised tourism's role as a key economic driver in the district.
"Tourism continues to play a vital role in supporting jobs, businesses and investment across the district, with almost £94m generated in visitor spend during 2025,"she stated.
O'Donnell also noted that the council is developing a new Tourism Action Plan for 2026-2031, with the current results providing a strong foundation for setting ambitious targets related to visitor spending, length of stay, and employment.
Expanded Air Services Boost Passenger Growth and Regional Access
Steve Frazer, Managing Director of City of Derry Airport, attributed passenger growth and improved access to the North West to expanded air services.
The introduction of EasyJet routes from Liverpool, Edinburgh, and Birmingham between 2024 and 2025 contributed to a 23% increase in passenger numbers, while Ryanair and Loganair services continued to perform strongly.
Passenger numbers grew by a further 13% between 2025 and 2026, with a new twice-daily Dublin service due to launch later this year, which will further strengthen international connectivity to the region,"Frazer said.
