27th April 2026
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has today launched a public consultation to inform the development of a Tourist Accommodation Strategy for Ireland. The strategy will guide the sustainable development of tourist accommodation nationwide and ensure the sector is well‑positioned to meet changing visitor needs in the years ahead.
Tourist accommodation plays a central role in supporting tourism growth, regional economic balance, and strong local communities. As tourism evolves in response to shifting visitor expectations, new forms of travel and wider environmental and social considerations, Ireland’s accommodation offering must continue to adapt in a sustainable and resilient way.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke welcomed the opening of the consultation process,
“Under A New Era for Irish Tourism, the Government’s national tourism policy statement, I committed to developing a new Tourist Accommodation Strategy and this public consultation is a key starting point in informing the content and direction of that strategy. I encourage all those with an interest or a stake in tourism in Ireland to share their understandings & insights through the survey attached to the consultation.”
Minister Burke added,
“To achieve sustainable tourism growth, it is essential that Ireland has sufficient and fit-for-purpose tourist accommodation stock in place. Diverse accommodation options across tourist destinations nationwide will ensure that all potential visitors to our cities, towns and regions can be comfortably facilitated and fully enjoy our internationally renowned welcome.”
Purpose of the consultation
The public consultation invites views from members of the public, industry stakeholders, and all interested parties. The insights gathered will support the development of a strategy that ensures Ireland has sufficient, diverse, and high‑quality accommodation to best meet future demand.
The strategy will examine how to better support regional balance, address seasonal pressures, enhance Ireland’s competitiveness as a destination, and strengthen positive community outcomes. It will also consider the role of accommodation in supporting environmental and climate objectives, business travel, events, and non‑leisure tourism activities.
Role of the Department
In line with commitments made under A New Era for Irish Tourism, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment is responsible for preparing a national tourist accommodation strategy. This work will complement existing legislative and regulatory frameworks, including the Tourist Traffic Acts 1939–2016, and align with other relevant national policies.
How to take part
Stakeholders and members of the public are invited to complete the online survey available here:
The consultation will remain open until 5pm on Friday, 29 May 2026. Submissions received by the specified deadline will be analysed and will contribute to the development of the final strategy. A summary of the consultation findings will be published on enterprise.gov.ie once the process has concluded.
Enquiries about the consultation and/or strategy may be directed to TourismAccommodation@enterprise.gov.ie.
ENDS
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