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Charting a Course for Irish Tourism: Ambitious Strategy for Growth and Enrichment

Policy

10 December 2025

Charting a Course for Irish Tourism: Ambitious Strategy for Growth and Enrichment

Adventure tourism

Coastal, maritime and inland water tourism

Cultural tourism

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Discover Ireland’s dynamic new tourism policy, which champions culinary tourism, strategic growth, and regional development. Unveiled by Minister Peter Burke, it sets ambitious targets for growth and innovation. Dive in to explore how this forward-looking strategy seeks to unlock Ireland's potential.

Publishing org

Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment of Ireland

Related Organisation(s)

Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment of Ireland

Topics
Geographical descriptors

Ireland

Organisation Type

Academic / Research and VET Institutions

Cultural and Heritage Organisations

Destination Management & Marketing Organisations

Local Authorities

National authorities

Regional Authorities

SMEs (a company with less than 250 employees)

  • Specific types of tourism

    • Adventure tourism

    • Coastal, maritime and inland water tourism

    • Cultural tourism

    • Ecotourism

    • Education tourism

    • Festival tourism

    • Gastronomy tourism

    • Health and medical tourism

    • MICE tourism

    • Mountain tourism

    • Religious tourism

    • Rural tourism

    • Sports tourism

    • Urban/city tourism

    • Wellness tourism

  • Transition Pathway Strategic Areas

    • Changes in tourism demand and opportunities

    • Digitalisation of tourism SMEs and destinations

    • Funding and support measures

    • Green Transition of Tourism Companies and SMEs

    • Improving statistics and indicators

    • Tourism strategies

  • Business activities

    • Activities of amusement parks and theme parks

    • Activities of associations and other organisations supporting tourism

    • Air passenger transport

    • Camping grounds, recreational vehicle parks and trailer parks

    • Events catering and other food services

    • Festivals, cultural and entertainment activities

    • Gardens and nature reserves activities

    • Holiday Housing / Apartments and other short stay accommodation

    • Hotel and similar accommodation

    • Mobile beverage services

    • Mobile food services

    • Museums

    • Operation of historical sites

    • Other

    • Other accommodation

    • Other amusement and recreation activities

    • Other food and beverage services

    • Other holiday reservation services

    • Other tourism transportation activities

    • Rail Passenger transport

    • Recreational and sport activities

    • Restaurants, cafes and bars (Food and Beverage serving activities)

    • Road passenger transport

    • Tour operator activities

    • Travel agency activities

    • Water (sea, coastal and inland) passenger transport

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Ireland is gearing up for a major tourism boost with a fresh strategy led by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, alongside Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. The plan sets ambitious goals to grow tourism revenue to €9 billion from overseas visitors and €5.8 billion from domestic tourists by 2031. 

Central to this policy is a robust focus on sustainability and digital advancement, ensuring that Ireland remains adaptable to future trends. Noteworthy initiatives include a new culinary tourism strategy and a push for marine tourism, aimed at diversifying Ireland's tourism appeal. With an emphasis on regional growth, areas like Ireland's Hidden Heartlands are set to see enhanced development, supported by fervent marketing campaigns and financial aid for SMEs.

Key initiatives include the launch of a national culinary tourism strategy and further development of marine tourism, broadening Ireland's attraction spectrum. This policy aims to create a balanced regional growth, shining a spotlight on emerging destinations like Ireland's Hidden Heartlands while nurturing the established magic of the Wild Atlantic Way. These efforts highlight Ireland's dedication to economic growth, regional diversity, and cultural enrichment.

The approach involves targeted marketing campaigns designed to resonate both domestically and internationally, financial aid to bolster SMEs, and regulatory adjustments slated for 2026. Focus is also placed on expanding workforce capabilities within the tourism sector to uphold service excellence amidst evolving visitor expectations.

Ireland’s tourism strategy is fundamentally linked to climate action, ensuring all developments are environmentally conscious, promoting greener travel practices and preserving the natural beauty of Ireland for future generations. Collaborations across government sectors, local communities, and industry players are vital, with a review scheduled for 2028 to assess progress and recalibrate goals if necessary.

Discover the potential in Ireland's enhanced tourism approach by exploring the full policy document here and further insights on the Ministry's website here. This comprehensive national tourism strategy aims to fortify Ireland's position as a must-visit European destination, leveraging its charm, hospitality, and innovation-driven growth for generations to come.

 

#Policy #Culinary Tourism #Regional Development #Digital Innovation #Sustainable Growth #Tourism Strategy

Documents

A New Era for Irish Tourism National Tourism Policy Statement
English
(4.72 MB - PDF)
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