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Derry and Strabane records major tourism growth in 2025

Getty A view of Londonderry with the Peace Bridge over the Foyle river in the foreground and the Guildhall and other building in the background.Getty
The figures represent a major year-on-year boost for the local tourism sector, with overnight trips rising by 35 per cent compared with 2024

Derry City and Strabane District Council experienced a landmark year for tourism in 2025, with new figures revealing significant increases in visitor numbers, overnight stays and tourism spending.

Statistics from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra) show tourism generated almost £94 million in 2025, as overnight visitor numbers rose by 35% compared with the previous year.

The figures place the council area among the strongest-performing tourism destinations in Northern Ireland.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ruairí McHugh, said the figures were evidence of the area's "growing reputation as a leading destination for leisure, culture and short breaks".

Derry mayor Ruairí McHugh looking directly at the camera and smiling. He has very short, dark hair and is wearing a navy suit, pale blue shirt, navy patterned tie and his gold chain of office.
Mayor Ruairí McHugh says local tourism officials have done a great job in showcasing the district

"These figures are hugely encouraging and reflect the growing appeal of our city and district as a world-class tourism destination," McHugh said.

"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 generated £1.2bn across NI in 2025

Belfast had the highest number of overnight trips of any local government district during 2025, which was about 1.5 million or 30% of all NI overnight trips.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council was the second highest with 1.2 million overnight trips.

Across Northern Ireland as a whole, Nira recorded 5.1 million overnight trips during 2025, generating £1.2bn in visitor expenditure.

Visit Derry chief executive Odhran Dunne has short hair and a beard. He is standing in front of the Visit Derry office in the city centre and is wearing a navy shirt and purple tie
Visit Derry chief executive Odhran Dunne says collaboration between national and international travel partners has helped boost numbers visiting

Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today, Visit Derry Chief Executive, Odhran Dunne, said the latest statistics highlighted the success of continued investment in tourism and close collaboration between tourism organisations and local businesses.

"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.

Tourism manager with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Jennifer O'Donnell, said tourism remains a key driver of economic growth across 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 said.

O'Donnell added that the council is currently developing a new Tourism Action Plan for 2026-2031, with the latest results providing a strong foundation for more ambitious targets around visitor spending, length of stay and employment.

Steve Frazer has short brown hair and a beard. He is standing in the City of Derry Airport main lounge.
City of Derry Airport managing director Steve Frazer says expanded air services has helped bring more tourists to the region

City of Derry Airport Managing Director, Steve Frazer, said expanded air services had helped drive passenger growth and improve access to the North West.

The introduction of EasyJet routes from Liverpool, Edinburgh and Birmingham between 2024 and 2025 contributed to a 23% increase in passenger numbers, while services operated by Ryanair and Loganair also continued to perform strongly.

Frazer said 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 he said will further strengthen international connectivity to the region.