Economy Minister joins Tourism Ireland in Boston, promoting tourism from our second-biggest overseas market
The United States is the second most important overseas tourism market for Northern Ireland – for revenue, visitor numbers and bed nights. And, in terms of air access to the island of Ireland, there are direct flights from 21 US gateways, with +17% more air seats this winter than last winter, showing the growth potential ahead. Tourism Ireland works closely with airlines serving Ireland, to help drive demand for the flights among US holidaymakers
During the roundtable event, Minister Archibald spoke of her department’s vision to create a thriving, sustainable tourism industry for the future that will stand out in international markets, including in the all-important US market. She reminded the guests – who included key travel trade and media – that within a couple of hours of landing on the island of Ireland, visitors can be on the Causeway Coast, in central Belfast or on a boat on our inland waterways. She outlined some of the many great reasons for US travellers to choose Northern Ireland for a holiday, including the Fermanagh Lakelands, the Mournes, Titanic trails, some of the best golf in the world and superb festivals like Halloween, as well as great sustainable travel experiences and our warm hospitality.
Minister Archibald said: “The United States is an extremely important market for tourism. We know that American visitors typically stay longer, tour around our regions and spend more than visitors from other markets. And we believe that tourism from here has the potential to continue to grow in the years ahead. Right throughout the year, we have so much to offer our American visitors – from St Patrick’s Day in the spring to Halloween in the autumn. I’m delighted to be working with Tourism Ireland to help grow the value of tourism for all and I am committed to growing the number of US visitors to the north of Ireland.”
Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland’s Head of North America, said: “We are delighted to welcome Minister Archibald to our event in Boston and are grateful to her for taking the time to meet with some of our key US travel trade and media partners. It has never been easier to get to the island of Ireland from the United States – with direct flights from 21 US gateways and +17% more air seats this winter than last winter, showing the growth potential ahead. With those direct flights and a strong match between what Northern Ireland offers and the culture and outdoor experiences that American holidaymakers seek, the United States is a market of potential for Northern Ireland tourism for the future.
“Next year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence – America 250 – which offers the opportunity to shine a spotlight on our historic ties with the US. This milestone will provide a unique opportunity to highlight Northern Ireland.”
Bryan Lewis, Founder and CEO of Tenon Tours, said:“I’m delighted to be here this morning with Minister Archibald and the Tourism Ireland team. We’re seeing growing interest among our clients in visiting Northern Ireland – who want to experience its breathtaking scenery and warm hospitality, so it’s great to have the opportunity to meet Minister Archibald to discuss our plans for 2026 and beyond.”
-ENDS-
Further media information:
Anne Marie Orr, Tourism Ireland
Tel: 07766 527719
Notes to Editors:
- Tourism Ireland is the organisation responsible for promoting Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland overseas as a leading holiday destination.
- NISRA figures for 2024 confirm that overseas tourism to Northern Ireland contributed £633 million to the economy, driven by 2 million overseas tourists, with overseas as 58% of total tourism revenue.
- Tourism Ireland’s international website is www.ireland.com, with 21 market sites available in 18 different countries, as well as one international site, in seven language versions around the world.