Derry and Strabane’s tourism sector is celebrating a landmark year after new figures revealed a significant increase in visitor numbers, overnight stays and tourism spending across the district.

According to the latest NISRA statistics, the district welcomed almost 400,000 overnight trips during 2025, generating more than £93.5 million in visitor spend. Overnight trips increased by an impressive 35 per cent compared with the previous year, while visitor expenditure rose by 13.5 per cent and overnight stays exceeded 1.2 million nights.

The growth significantly outpaced the Northern Ireland average and reflects the success of sustained investment in tourism, hospitality, events and visitor experiences across the city and district.

For local businesses, the figures underline tourism’s growing contribution to the economy. Visitors are staying longer, spending more and supporting jobs across hospitality, retail, transport and the wider supply chain.

Visit Derry Chief Executive Odhran Dunne described the results as a strong endorsement of the city’s tourism offering and the collaborative work undertaken to promote the destination in key domestic and international markets. However, he also highlighted the scale of the opportunity that remains ahead.

With approximately 5,000 visitor beds to fill every night across the district, the focus is now on building on this momentum.

A key part of achieving that ambition will be maintaining and strengthening the region’s connectivity. Recent passenger growth at City of Derry Airport has highlighted the important role air connectivity plays in supporting tourism, investment and business travel. The airport handled 225,000 passengers in 2025/26 and is forecasting further growth in the year ahead, while expanded routes have already helped improve access to the North West from key markets across Britain and beyond.

The recent launch of the public consultation on the future City of Derry-London air service serves as a timely reminder of the importance of connectivity to our region’s continued success. With tourism figures reaching record levels and ambitions to attract more visitors year-round, maintaining strong links to London and international markets will be essential. Derry Chamber is encouraging our members and the wider public to take part in the consultation and help shape the future of a route that plays a vital role in supporting tourism, business growth and investment across the North West.

Tourism ambitions are being further supported by a packed programme of events and attractions in the North West that are designed to encourage visitors to stay longer and discover more of what the city and district has to offer.

Throughout June, the Walled City Alive programme is bringing Derry’s rich heritage to life through guided tours, live music, storytelling, exhibitions and family-friendly activities across the city. The month-long celebration showcases the unique history, culture and creativity that continue to attract visitors from across Ireland and beyond.

The Foyle Maritime Festival will also be taking place will also be taking place from 25-28th June, when the city’s riverfront will once again welcome thousands of visitors for four days of entertainment, maritime heritage, family activities, visiting vessels, food experiences and spectacular live performances.

Taken together, the latest tourism figures, improved connectivity and an exciting programme of events ahead point to a city that continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the island’s leading visitor destinations.

The challenge ahead is to now build a thriving year-round tourism economy that keeps those 5,000 beds occupied and continues to deliver benefits for local businesses, communities and residents alike.