Belfast set for ‘watershed’ summer with two million visitors forecast
By Claudia Savage, Press Association
Summer 2026 is set to be a “watershed moment” for Belfast tourism with over two million expected to visit the city.
The busiest month is likely to fall in August with Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, Ireland’s biggest festival of traditional music, song and dance, being hosted in the city for the first time.
In addition to the Fleadh, Belfast has its regular programme of summer festivals including OrangeFest, Belfast Pride, Féile an Phobail, Belfast Mela, alongside music events such as Belsonic, Belfast Tradfest and Custom House Square Concerts.
Forecasts of a record-breaking summer come as the latest tourism statistics from Nisra show trips to Belfast surged by 6 per cent to 1.5 million in 2025, while spend climbed by almost 5 per cent to just under £493 million.
The number of people coming to Belfast as tourists increased by almost 14 per cent with over 100,000 more visitors than the previous year.
Spend by these holidaymakers also rose by 7.5 per cent to almost £257 million.
The city will also welcome 141 cruise ships throughout 2026 as it celebrates its 30th anniversary of cruise tourism, with Titanic Belfast announcing its 10 millionth visitor in May.
Belfast Mayor, Róis-Máire Donnelly, welcomed the latest tourism results and said 2026 is 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,” she said.
“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 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 the expected visitor numbers is “great news” for Belfast.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
