Over 2 million visitors set to make 2026 a record summer season
Belfast is predicting an unprecedented summer for tourism with more than 2 million people expected to visit the city.
The record for the busiest single tourism month will likely fall in August as Belfast plays host to Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world’s unrivalled annual festival of traditional Irish music, song, and dance and the biggest cultural event to ever take place in the city.
In addition to the Fleadh, Belfast, a cultural capital and UNESCO City of Music, was already planning a bumper summer with its programme of regular festivals: including OrangeFest, Belfast Pride, Feile an Phobail, Belfast Mela, alongside music events such as Belsonic, Belfast Tradfest and Custom House Square Concerts set to attract hundreds of thousands of people.
Forecasts of a record-breaking summer come as the latest tourism statistics from NISRA show trips to Belfast surged by six percent to 1.5million in 2025, while spend climbed by almost five percent to just under £493million.
The number of people coming to Belfast for a holiday increased by almost 14% with over 100,000 more visitors than the previous year. Spend by these holidaymakers also rose by seven and a half percent to almost £257million.
Voted the World’s Best Conference Destination at the prestigious C&IT Awards, business trips to Belfast are also on the rise with a 11.5% increase on 2024 and a 13% hike in spending to over £138million.
Meanwhile, Belfast has been ranked in the Top 10 sustainable destinations globally and in the Top 25 trending destinations worldwide according to TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice 2026. The city’s rich heritage also saw it make the top 10 in Big 7 Travel’s 30 Most Culturally Rich Places.
The city will also welcome 141 cruise ships throughout 2026 as it celebrates its 30th anniversary of cruise tourism while Belfast’s biggest attractions continue to prove popular with Titanic Belfast announcing its 10 millionth visitor in May.
A designated European City of Sport, the eyes of the world will once again be on the city later this year when the draw for the men’s football, European Championships takes place at ICC Belfast.
The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly welcomed the latest tourism results which came ahead her new term in office, and reflect how Belfast has transformed and is now considered among the world’s top ranking destinations for short breaks and business events.
She said: “More and more people and families are choosing to come to Belfast ans this summer will be no exception, it’s a huge year for the city ”
"It's not just down to one thing, it’s everything from our warm welcome to events, conferences, great shopping, outstanding food and drink and our lively night-time economy.”
“This summer can be a watershed moment for Belfast. We already had expectations of a strong holiday period, but we have stacked an iconic global event on top and the momentum building up to the Fleadh is already having a huge positive impact.”
“It is also worth a reminder that this won’t just be a one-off, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will return to Belfast in 2027 and once again we will welcome the world to our city.”
“The increase in visitors and the wider benefit they bring is positive news for every part of the city, across all our neighbourhoods and the wider NI region. We want to build upon this success and this summer with the global spotlight upon us, we have the perfect opportunity”
Visit Belfast’s Deputy Chief Executive, Rachael McGuickin said: “This is great news for the city and testament to Visit Belfast’s collaborative approach in promoting the city to the world supported by our industry partners, sponsors and funders”
“Collaboration has been a driving force behind these excellent statistics and our industry deserves huge recognition for the hard work, innovation and determination in creating an environment where visitors are truly welcomed, enjoy their experience and want to return again and again.”
“The foundation of Visit Belfast’s ongoing strategy success has been built on forging collaborative alliances with our key Strategic Partners. By fostering a unified and coordinated approach to destination sales, marketing, promotion and visitor servicing, we are committed to ensuring Belfast remains competitive for business and leisure, and thrives on the international stage.”
“With new hotel openings such as The Bedford, Aloft and Residence Inn by Marriott, and the planned £90million investment in a new cruise terminal along with a new fleet of Translink Enterprise trains taking the journey from Dublin to Belfast under two hours, we can look ahead with positivity.”
As Belfast gears up for this exciting summer, the positive momentum continues to build, creating opportunities for growth and celebration. The city is ready to shine on a global stage, inviting everyone to experience its unique history, culture and hospitality.
