Causeway Coast & Glens Experience Exceeds Visitors’ Expectations

Results from a survey of leisure visitors across Northern Ireland, commissioned by Tourism NI, show that 96% of respondents believed that the Causeway Coast & Glens met or exceeded expectations.

Visiting attractions and exploring the beautiful scenery and landscapes were key reasons for visiting the Causeway Coast & Glens. The most popular attractions were the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede and The Dark Hedges.

Visitors rated the range of visitor attractions favourably, scoring an impressive 8.51(out of ten).

The accommodation offering and the quality of food and drink at eating establishments were also rated highly, with the friendliness of the staff scoring very favourably.

Launching the survey results, Economy Minister Diane Dodds MLA said:

“The tourism sector within Northern Ireland is in a strong position, as these survey results demonstrate. Our friendly welcome, along with excellent attractions, food, customer service and accommodation continues to win fans both at home and abroad.

Statistics continue to show that our increasing numbers of external visitors are spending more, and the positive experiences evidenced in the Visitor Attitude Survey play a large part in this success. Tourism is a vitally important sector to our economy, helping to drive economic growth and supporting jobs throughout Northern Ireland.

As Economy Minister I intend to build on the good work being done by continuing to develop local tourism as an export business, helping to contribute to balanced regional growth and job creation.”

Tourism NI’s Chief Executive, John McGrillen said:

“These results are a boost for the local industry as the Causeway Coast & Glens’ unique visitor attractions clearly resonate with visitors. It was also a consistent theme across Northern Ireland that our people greatly enhance the visitor experience.

“The welcome that people receive in our hotels, guesthouses, pubs, taxis, restaurants, cafes and shops also helps to ensure that people who come here to visit want to return or to advise others to visit and experience Northern Ireland for themselves” said Mr. McGrillen.

Findings from Tourism NI’s most recent Industry Barometer suggest that Northern Ireland tourism businesses generally have an optimistic outlook for 2020.

For more information about the Visitor Attitude Survey, please visit  https://tourismni.com/facts-and-figures/visitor-attitude-surveys/