24/11/2004

Tourism figures likely to top 2m mark

Northern Ireland visitor numbers are likely to top the two million mark, the province's tourist board has predicted today.

Figures released by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board on Wednesday also forecast a 14% increase in holiday figures for 2004 with estimates based on visitor numbers from January to September.

NITB chief executive Alan Clarke said: "All markets are on the increase, with the greatest growth seen from North America where visitor numbers show a healthy recovery of 25%.

"Great Britain also continued to perform well, with numbers up almost 50% since 2000. Particularly pleasing is the fact that July saw the highest ever figures on record for the month."

DUP economy spokesperson Mervyn Storey said today’s news was to be welcomed.

“Projections by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board that 2004 will see over two million visitors come to the Province is a good news story,” the North Antrim MLA said.

“As traditional sectors of our economy continue to feel the strain, it is good to hear that tourism continues to be a growth area.

“I would encourage the NITB to keep up the good work as there is still a great deal of room for growth in the Northern Ireland tourist industry.”

Today’s report also saw the NITB estimate that tourism revenue for this year will be around £312 million, an increase of 5% on 2003's figures.

(MB/GMCG)

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