THE NUMBER of people crossing the Border for shopping, business and leisure trips has increased dramatically, figures released yesterday show.
The total number of trips by residents of the Republic reached 367,000 in 2008, the Stormont Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment said, representing a rise of 14 per cent.
Hoteliers, retailers and the Stormont Executive believe the weakness of sterling against the euro and price competitiveness is boosting the local market.
Those travelling North also spent more, with revenue rising by 16 per cent to some £50 million (€56.77 million). Retailers near the Border, particularly in Co Down, have seen a boom in spending by Southern shoppers, particularly at Christmas, with total sales up by as much as 150 per cent in one retail park.
The Outlet centre on the outskirts of Banbridge said shoppers to its stores were spending on average 13.5 per cent more than in 2007. Some 83 per cent more southern-registered vehicles have been counted in the Outlet carparks.
Also up is the number of people from the Republic taking holiday breaks in Northern Ireland including at least one overnight stay: 26 per cent more holidaymakers decided to visit.
Minister for Enterprise Arlene Foster said: “This is very positive news and a welcome boost to the industry and the wider economy. The increase in visitor numbers has exceeded expectations for growth in 2008 and the statistics reinforce that Northern Ireland has a unique and appealing range of things to see and do.”
Ms Foster’s department also said significant investment by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board was paying dividends. A PR campaign was mounted in the Republic to position Northern Ireland as a safe destination.
Tourist board spokeswoman Kathryn Thomson said: “The amount invested across both markets was just over £2 million and the results of the campaign are very tangible.”