Visitor spending in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area increased by 87 percent to £93.6 million under the council’s current tourism strategy, a new performance review has found.

The review, presented to the council’s Business and Culture Committee this month, shows that overnight trips grew 41 percent to almost 400,000, while employment in the tourism sector rose 12 percent to 5,230 jobs between 2018 and 2022. Overnight trips in 2025 accounted for around 7.8 percent of all visitors to Northern Ireland, exceeding the regional average of 9 percent growth.

The council’s Food Tourism Strategy, which ran from 2019 to 2025, contributed approximately £24.7 million to the local economy, a 50 percent increase. Council officials noted that progress is being made toward a £33 million target.

The report highlighted that investment supported more than 300 tourism businesses and created over 30 new visitor experiences. The number of accommodation properties in the district has more than doubled over the past decade, which the report said reflects strong investor confidence and growing capacity.

Sinn Féin Councillor Alex Duffy told the committee that securing a hotel room in Derry at weekends is now impossible without booking far in advance. UUP Alderman Darren Guy added that hotel rates in the city are now similar to those in Belfast.

SDLP Councillor Rory Farrell said the construction of many new hotels shows there is demand. He linked the increase in visitor numbers to a strong programme of festivals and events, including the Maritime Festival, the Jazz Festival, and the upcoming 40th anniversary of the Halloween celebrations.

Committee chair Sandra Duffy described the findings as hugely positive and said it is an exciting time for the city. Members endorsed the report and a proposed Tourism Action Plan for 2026 to 2031.