North visitor numbers up

The number of tourists visiting Northern Ireland is increasing, according to the latest official figures

The number of tourists visiting Northern Ireland is increasing, according to the latest official figures. Total visitor numbers last year went up 11 per cent to 1.64 million, with holidaymakers accounting for 310,000 of the total - up 12 per cent - said the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

Holidaymakers from Britain and the Republic made up the bulk of the numbers, each showing increases of more than 20 per cent.

Sir Reg Empey, Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, expressed his delight at the significant increases.

He said: "This is the news that we had been expecting . . . all indications showed we were heading for a successful year. The relatively peaceful summer and political progress undoubtedly contributed to visitors returning here in greater numbers."