1st December 2025
New National Tourism Policy
The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, today launched Ireland’s new National Tourism Policy Statement, 'A New Era for Irish Tourism', at Belvedere House, Mullingar.
Key actions in the new tourism policy include the commitment to develop food-related tourism, for the first time placing a key focus on the culinary offering provided by the sector. Also for the first time, ambitious targets will be set for Fáilte Ireland and our tourism bodies, on employment numbers and visitor spend.
Since the move of tourism into the Department of Enterprise, Minister Burke has placed a stronger focus on tourism SMEs as well as balanced investment in tourism to ensure that every region of Ireland benefits from tourism’s growth.
The new National Tourism Policy Statement:
- includes a specific section on the importance of our culinary offering and contains several new policy commitments in relation to food in tourism
- reflects tourism’s strategic repositioning within the enterprise, trade and employment agenda with increased focus on supporting tourism SMEs and setting ambitious targets and KPIs
- focuses on diversifying our markets through a new Strategic Air Access Programme for new airline routes, and developing the off-peak season from October to May
- highlights the need to develop tourism as a viable and valuable career pathway with specialised skills training, driving quality employment practices and supporting the retention of talent and a high standard of service
- addresses capacity constraints in the tourism market, including supply of accommodation and visitor access
The Policy Statement includes 71 policy proposals. Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland are central to delivering the policy’s objectives and will align their 3-year Corporate Plans accordingly for the periods 2026-2028 and 2029-2031.
Speaking today, Tánaiste Simon Harris said:
"Tourism is one of Ireland’s most vital indigenous industries.
It supports jobs, sustains thousands of businesses, and touches every community from the streets of our capital city in Dublin to some of the most remote and rural parts of our country.
It is about people, experiences, and the stories we share with the world.
This policy sets out a clear and ambitious vision: resilience, sustainability, and growth"
Speaking today, Minister Peter Burke said:
"Tourism is one of Ireland’s most vital indigenous sectors. With over 46,000 tourism-related enterprises, and 228,000 jobs, as Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment I am determined to support these workers and businesses.
This policy statement sets ambitious targets. In total, we’re targeting growth in international tourism revenue by 6% per annum and domestic revenue by 7% per annum. We want to see 90% of tourism SMEs supported to adopt advanced digital tools, and to grow employment in the sector to 250,000. That’s a clear signal of our confidence in Irish tourism and its potential.
‘We are setting the course of direction and the areas for investment for the next five years. I firmly believe that untapped potential exists in many parts of the country, and this policy is designed to unlock that opportunity. We want every community, from urban centres to rural heartlands, to benefit from tourism’s growth and ensure Ireland is the best location to visit in Europe"
Speaking today Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley said:
"Our greatest treasure are the people who work in tourism. That culture of welcoming and warmth is at the heart of the story of the charm of Ireland. I am confident our people, with the support of this strategy, will continue to provide an inclusive tourism experience for families with young children, older people, people with disabilities, and visitors of every background."
Speaking today Minister of State at the Department of Transport with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, Sean Canney said:
"As Minister of State with responsibility for international and road transport, logistics, rail, and ports, I know that connectivity is the lifeblood of tourism. Every visitor journey begins and ends with transport. Whether it’s a flight into Dublin, a ferry to Cork, a train to Galway, or a scenic drive through Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, transport infrastructure shapes the visitor experience and underpins regional development."
The full Tourism Policy Statement can be found here: A New Era for Irish Tourism: National Tourism Policy Statement
Back to Department News