Tourism data is derived from a variety of sources. The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant effect on these sources. The COVID-19 and the production of statistics page details the effect on NISRA statistics overall and the Impact of COVID-19 on Northern Ireland tourism statistics addresses specific issues with sources normally used in tourism publications. NISRA will continue to publish as much data as possible and will explore other indicators if the original source is affected. However, due to the quality and quantity of some data NISRA has suspended National Statistics status for tourism data until further notice.
Alternative sources
Due to issues with data collection associated with Covid-19 NISRA tourism branch are not in a position to publish their full National Statistics accredited publication. In absence of our regular publication we will produce an alternative source publication containing a wide range of tourism related statistics produced by both NISRA and other sources.
Northern Ireland alternative source statistics up to 7 October 2021
Annual tourism statistics publications
In May 2017 after assessment by the Office for Statistics Regulation this publication was awarded National Statistics accreditation. National Statistics status means that official statistics meet the highest standards of trustworthiness, quality and public value.
All official statistics should comply with all aspects of the Code of Practice for Official Statistics. They are awarded National Statistics status following an assessment by the Office for Statistics Regulation. The Office for Statistics Regulation considers whether the statistics meet the highest standards of Code compliance, including the value they add to public decisions and debate.
The latest annual tourism statistics were published on 22 October 2020. The publication, which includes additional tables and infographics can be accessed at:
Quarterly tourism statistics publications
The latest quarterly tourism statistics were published on 07 May 2020. The publication tables can be accessed at:
Methodology Review
NISRA is currently undertaking a review of the methodology used for producing Domestic Tourism data.
This will include (but not limited to) analysis on the weighting methodology for domestic tourism data, exploring the possibility of including data for children (aged under 16) in overnight trip outputs, and improving outlier analysis.
After the review has been conducted NISRA will publish an impact analysis on Domestic Tourism statistics; and assess the possibility of backdating previously published data.
Useful links
- Tourism statistics publication schedule
- Tourism statistics early indicators
- Tourism statistics archive publications
More information on data quality can be found at
More information on the quality of administrative sources can be found at
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