Write a commentOverninght visitors to Newry, Mourne and Down were up almost 50% in 2017 compared to the previous year.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has set a goal of becoming the premier tourism destination on the Island of Ireland as part of its Corporate Plan and council Chairperson Mark Murnin has welcomed the news. “I am delighted with the results of the tourism statistics from NISRA. The Council has always recognised that tourism is a critical economic driver in the region, which is why it made the commitment within its Corporate Plan in 2015 to be the premier tourism destination on the Island of Ireland.
“We have taken a number of strategic steps in order to achieve this status. The Council’s Tourism Strategy recognises that today’s visitors, particularly those from out-of-state, want to see much more than just the local sights. They are looking for a higher level of engagement – a way to connect with the people and the essence of a place. They want an emotional connection and an opportunity to get off the beaten track. They seek authentic experiences that enrich their lives and create lasting memories that they can talk about and importantly share amongst their peer group.”
Cllr Murnin pointed out the development of new festivals under the Giant Adventures brand and said these in tandem with established events, demonstrates the scale of the council's ambition to host world-class epic moments, drawing on mountains and coastline and those stories unique to us.
Statistics 2015-2019
According to the most recent statistics released by Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) Tourism Local Government Statistics, spending from overnight trips to Newry, Mourne and Down has risen by 47% from £61m in 2016 to £90m in 2017. The spend profile has been on an upward trend since the amalgamation of the Councils in 2015, when estimated spend on overnight trips to the region was £48.1m.
Promoting what area has to offer
Slieve Gullion Councillor and Vice Chair of the Council’s Tourism Committee Pete Byrne has welcomed the positive tourism figures. "This is more welcome news for local business and for the Council which has invested heavily in promoting what this area has to offer. NISRA’s latest statistics provide a detailed look at how each of the Council areas are performing. Newry Mourne and Down has experienced a 47% increase in spending from overnight trips. This represents a £90 million spend in this Council area and it is believed that 63% of these overnight stays were for holiday purposes.
"While Belfast continues to dominate, it is positive to see an improved spread of spending beyond the city across the North. Newry Mourne and Down has a lot to offer holiday makers and it is a testament to those involved in the industry that people are excited and keen to come and explore the district."
Visitor Experiences
Characters, Coastline & Contraband – explore the Mournes by bike and hear the myths, legends and history that make this area so unique.
Through the Wardrobe Experience – explore the landscape that inspired CS Lewis to write ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’.
Celtic Warrior Experience – spend three days in the Ring of Gullion learning the ways of the ancient Celts.
Game of Thrones Tour – get under the skin of the iconic show through a series of authentic experiences.
Footsteps of the Celts – learn about the ancient druids through meditation, mindfulness and visits to sites of historical and spiritual significance.
Saints, Sinners, & Summits – join an experienced guide to walk through the Mournes and hear its stories.
Oysters and Chocolate Tour – indulge in the delicious produce of the region on a food tour with an experienced guide.
Smugglers and Seaweed Experience – follow the smuggling routes across the Mournes with a guide who knows the history inside out.
Infinity Swim Safari Tour – push your limits with open water swimming on the region’s many bodies of water - including Carlingford Lough and the Irish Sea.
