New framework to shape Irish tourism
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From: Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
- Published on: 6 November 2024
- Last updated on: 6 November 2024
The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, today published a new Tourism Policy Framework for Irish tourism for the period to 2030.
The publication stems from a commitment under the Programme for Government to develop a Sustainable Tourism Policy document.
This policy is formulated to balance economic development with environmental and social considerations. It was finalised following extensive engagement with tourism stakeholders, the tourism sector and a public consultation process. Amongst the guiding principles set out in the Policy Framework are:
- protect and enhance Ireland’s natural assets and environmental quality
- ensure that tourism contributes to meeting commitments on climate change
- support balanced economic development and employment
- prioritise the economic value per visitor over volume of tourists visiting
- minimise any negative impacts of tourism on host communities
- encourage innovation within the tourism sector to ensure improved visitor satisfaction
The Policy Framework includes a total of 61 policy proposals.
Speaking today, Minister Catherine Martin said:
“This is a very important day for Irish tourism. While our tourism offering remains strong, I want a thriving tourism in 2030 which provides quality employment right across the country. Equally, tourism should play its part in achieving our environmental targets and I am confident that this new Tourism Policy Framework achieves the right balance of economic, environmental and social sustainability.
"Tourism continues to play a vital role in Irish life. It is both an essential economic sector and a means by which Ireland tells stories of itself to the world and builds deep and lasting connections with friends around the globe.
"We can further strengthen our shared island offering to visitors, support rewarding careers, enhance the regional distribution of tourism, grow our food-based offerings for visitors, reduce waste, minimise the environmental footprint of holidays and ultimately ensure Ireland remains a world-class and sustainable destination.
"I look forward to the tourism agencies, other public bodies and the tourism sector working together to achieve the sustainable growth targets set out in the Policy.”
Notes
The Tourism Policy Framework contains 61 policy proposals under the pillars of environmental, economic and social sustainability. In terms of targets, the Policy Framework sets out some high level targets for the period to 2030 although it is proposed that shorter-term Action Plans to implement the policy goals will include more focused metrics. In relation to the high level targets, these include:
- Fáilte Ireland will establish a baseline figure for tourism associated emissions and subsequent shorter term Tourism Action Plans will contain tourism specific emission reduction and biodiversity targets
- measures will be put in place to ensure that the average carbon emissions associated with each visitor bed night is reduced by 60% by 2030
- in relation to overseas visitors, the focus will be on those markets generating greatest revenue for lowest carbon footprint. The target will be to achieve an average annual 5.6% year- on- year growth in the revenue generated by overseas visitors in the period to 2030
- in terms of domestic tourism, achieve an average annual increase of 5.6% in tourism revenue in the period to 2030
- ensure that a sufficient number of people have year-round, quality jobs in the tourism sector and that these jobs are located throughout the country
With regard to implementation of the Policy, it is proposed that a new Tourism Leadership Group (TLG) will be established to oversee the implementation of the policy objectives. The TLG will be mandated to draft three-year Action Plans to give effect to the policy proposals set out in the Framework. Each action will be time-bound with ownership assigned and the Group will provide regular updates to the Minister.