Tourism

Tourism is integral to Irish society; supporting economic activity, and enhancing physical and societal well-being. Recent studies by the CSO indicate that, in 2019 prior to the onset of COVID–19, the tourism sector as a whole (inbound and domestic expenditure) generated revenue of €9.985 billion, which accounted for 4.8% of total GDP, and supported an estimated 284,800 full-time equivalent jobs.

The Department’s high-level goals in relation to tourism are:

• to support the sustainable growth of a competitive Tourism sector with a particular emphasis on supporting economic development in communities throughout the country, whilst protecting our environment and natural resources

• to promote North-South co-operation, within the context of the Good Friday Agreement and the Government’s Shared Island Initiative, particularly in the context of the work of Tourism Ireland

The Tourism Policy Framework 2025–2030 was published on 6th November 2024 and aims to embed environmental, economic and societal sustainability across the tourism sector.

Key policy objectives include enhancing careers in tourism, fostering innovation, advancing product development, addressing regionality/seasonality and ensuring the broader impacts of government decisions on tourism are fully considered. A strong emphasis is placed on promoting sustainable tourism growth, particularly in less developed areas, to ensure balanced regional development and equitable distribution of benefits. This approach aligns with the Framework’s commitment to fostering sustainable practices that strengthen the sector’s contribution to Ireland’s economy and communities.

The Government seeks to have a vibrant and competitive tourism sector that makes a significant contribution across the country, is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable, helps promote a positive image of Ireland overseas, and enables local communities to prosper.

The positive images of Ireland that are highlighted in tourism marketing support the government's activities in other areas of economic development. With specific regard to international relations, Irish tourism can be supported through diplomatic activity and official visits. Ireland’s unique offering holds an unparalleled advantage in the world tourism market.

In such markets where familiarity with Ireland is poor, promoting tourism often forms part of a wider effort to raise the profile of Ireland. A coordinated approach is crucial, with local market teams, chaired by the Ambassador, playing an important role in promoting tourism objectives overseas.

Domestic tourism is the bedrock for the Irish tourism industry. The domestic tourism market sustains a level of investment in tourism product that is of considerable benefit to Ireland’s attractiveness as a destination and provides an opportunity to both extend the season and deliver additional business that is more regionally dispersed.

The Department with its agencies, is focused on the sustainable development of tourism across the whole country, the particular importance of tourism to communities in every corner of Ireland is well understood, especially in our rural communities. Tourism is nationally important as a key employment sector and driver of regional economies. This Department recognises that Ireland’s natural assets can also be complemented by appropriate product development across the regions and is committed to working with the tourism agencies to support tourism businesses to overcome challenges that arise and to assist them to innovate and grow in a sustainable manner.

The tourism sector is an essential component of Ireland’s employment base. In addition, many third-level students are employed on a part-time or seasonal basis in the tourism industry. The income earned from this employment assists in meeting their living expenses and costs associated with third-level education.

The interaction between overseas visitors and those employed in our tourism sector is highly important. It creates a positive link between the qualities of Ireland as a place and the qualities of the Irish people. It is essential that the level of service provided to visitors is of the highest possible standard.

The government aims to strengthen the capacity of people working in the tourism sector, so the highest quality experience can be delivered to visitors. This also lets Ireland compete effectively for business in the international tourism marketplace.

Tourism enterprises are covered by many of the same statutory obligations as all other enterprises. However, there are areas of legislation which are particularly focused on the tourism industry.

Statutory regulation of visitor accommodation in Ireland is based on the Tourist Traffic Acts (1939 and 1998 ) and National Tourism Development Authority Act 2003.

This body of legislation prescribes the use of 29 tourist accommodation descriptors, and assigns responsibility to Fáilte Ireland to put supporting regulation in place, and to maintain annual statutory registers of premises which use those descriptors.

Entities that are required to register include:

• hotels

• guest houses

• holiday and youth hostels

• caravan parks and camping sites

• parks

• self-catering accommodation (apartment and cottage properties in excess of 7 units on one site)

• holiday camps.

tourismdivision@tcagsm.gov.ie

+ 353 64 662 7280