Trips to Belfast rose 6% to 1.5 million in 2025, while visitor spending increased almost 5% to just under £493 million, according to official data. The number of holidaymakers grew by nearly 14%, with over 100,000 more than the previous year, and their expenditure rose 7.5% to almost £257 million.

The city is preparing for what officials describe as a watershed summer, anchored by Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann, Ireland's largest traditional music festival, which will be held in Belfast for the first time in August. The event is expected to return in 2027.

Belfast will also mark its 30th year of cruise tourism in 2026, with 141 cruise ships scheduled to visit. Titanic Belfast is set to welcome its 10 millionth visitor in May.

Lord Mayor Rois-Maire Donnelly said the year ahead is significant for the city, citing a combination of welcome, events, shopping, food and drink, and a lively night-time economy. She said the Fleadh is already building positive momentum and that the global spotlight offers an opportunity to build on tourism success.

Visit Belfast deputy chief executive Rachael McGuickin said the latest statistics reflect collaboration across the industry, and that a coordinated approach to sales, marketing and visitor servicing aims to keep the city competitive internationally.