Tourism is bringing fresh opportunities to the city. From our historic Walls and thriving food scene to the landscapes of the Sperrins, the district has much to offer and a new five-year plan sets out how to build on those strengths.

Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Shaping Our Tourism Future 2026-2031 reports 400,000 overnight trips and £93.6 million in visitor spending in 2025. With trips increasing by 35.6% and spending by 13.6% on the previous year, there is encouraging momentum to carry forward.

The plan aims to grow annual visitor spending to £120 million and support 850 additional tourism jobs by 2031. Its focus on experiences, visitor services and destination marketing provides a shared direction for Council, tourism partners and local businesses.

For businesses, the opportunity lies in giving people more reasons to visit, explore and stay. The plan highlights food and drink, heritage, culture, outdoor activities and business events, with particular attention to attracting visitors throughout the year. It also seeks to spread the benefits across Strabane and the rural district, alongside the Walled City.

Planned investments, including the DNA Museum at Ebrington and regeneration projects, could strengthen that offer further. Alongside these developments, collaboration between accommodation providers, restaurants, producers and experience operators can help turn individual attractions into memorable visits.

This month’s 40th anniversary of Derry Halloween brings that potential to life. The Awakening the Walled City Trail returns from 28th-30th October, running nightly from 6pm to 9pm, showcasing our heritage through performance, installations and storytelling. It creates an opportunity for businesses to welcome visitors, encourage them to explore and help them discover more of what the district offers.

We encourage members to read the Tourism Action Plan and consider how their business could contribute to its ambitions.

Planning to enjoy Halloween? Check the programme and book your free City Walls tickets in advance, subject to availability. Tickets are required for the City Walls section only, other trail locations can be enjoyed without a ticket.