Tourism Leaders Respond to Ireland’s New National Policy Framework

The Government of Ireland has unveiled its ambitious new National Tourism Policy Framework aimed at revitalizing the country’s tourism sector. This five-year plan, dubbed “A New Era for Irish Tourism,” seeks to address the challenges faced by both inbound and domestic tourism, which are currently experiencing a downturn. While industry leaders have broadly welcomed the report, they emphasize that achieving the outlined goals will require more than just aspirational targets.

The new policy aims for significant increases in visitor numbers and tourism revenue, with specific targets set for the coming years. According to the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF), overseas tourism revenue is projected to reach €9 billion by 2031, while domestic tourism revenue is expected to grow to €5.8 billion in the same timeframe. The plan also prioritizes off-peak season growth, aiming for at least 7% annual increase in visitor numbers in less developed regions of Ireland.

Industry Reactions to the New Policy

Several industry leaders have voiced their support for the policy, noting its potential to position Ireland as a premier destination for culinary tourism and sustainable travel. Adrian Cummins, Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI), highlighted the emphasis on culinary experiences. He stated, “A dedicated culinary tourism strategy will be coming as a key priority, alongside new regional food trails and themed experiences that mark meaningful progress toward positioning Ireland as a world-class culinary destination.”

Eoghan O’Mara Walsh, Chief Executive of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC), expressed optimism about the report’s publication. He remarked, “The implementation of the report is key, and we hope to be involved in the oversight group. It’s very important that we tame inflation because if the growth targets are simply cost inflation, then it lacks complete meaning for business.”

Paul Gallagher of the IHF noted that tourism is a cornerstone of economic prosperity in Ireland. He appreciated the Government’s commitment to supporting businesses and increasing employment. Gallagher added, “By placing tourism at the heart of Government policy, this new tourism plan will help ensure the right conditions are created to support the long-term development of our industry.”

Key Targets and Future Outlook

The Government has outlined several ambitious targets as part of its new strategy. These include:

– Increasing tourism employment by at least 9% by 2031 compared to 2024 levels.
– Reducing tourism-related emissions by 45% by 2030 from 2018 levels.
– Ensuring at least 90% of tourism SMEs adopt advanced digital tools by 2031.

Despite these encouraging goals, industry leaders stress the importance of government investment in tourism. They argue that meaningful growth cannot occur without adequate funding and resources. Gallagher pointed out that the recent decision to move the tourism portfolio under a reconfigured Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, led by Minister Peter Burke, reflects a step towards a more coordinated and economically focused approach to tourism policy.

In conclusion, while the new National Tourism Policy Framework sets a positive tone for the future of Irish tourism, stakeholders highlight the necessity of concrete actions and sustained investment. The industry remains cautiously optimistic as it gears up to help Ireland reclaim its position as a leading global tourism destination.