8th July 2026
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke today chaired the first meeting of the Tourism Policy Oversight Group, the governance forum established to oversee implementation of 'A New Era for Irish Tourism'. The meeting was held at the Department’s headquarters on Kildare Street.
The Minister thanked members of previous tourism stakeholder forums for their significant contribution in shaping and supporting the sector, noting that the new Oversight Group builds on these strong foundations as the focus shifts from recovery to delivery of the policy objectives.
The Tourism Policy Oversight Group is responsible for overseeing the implementation of 'A New Era for Irish Tourism', the Government’s tourism policy framework to 2031. The Group will provide strategic leadership and oversight including monitoring the progress towards the policy’s ambitious targets and implementation of the policy’s 71 policy objectives.
These new governance arrangements recognise that tourism is one of Ireland’s most vital economic sectors which supports 229,000 jobs, sustains some 46,000 tourism-related enterprises, and generates significant economic activity in every county. The Group will support strong collaboration across government departments, local authorities, state agencies, industry representatives, communities and education providers.
To facilitate this engagement, stakeholders are represented on the Tourism Policy Oversight Group and there are further opportunities for participation through five thematic delivery streams which will report to the Oversight Group. These include Data and Insights; Culinary Tourism; Sustainability; State Assets and Strategic Enablement; and Market Development and Capacity. This approach is intended to ensure meaningful collaboration and broad stakeholder involvement while maintaining a focused, effective and accountable framework for policy implementation and oversight.
The establishment of the Tourism Policy Oversight Group represents an important step in advancing the delivery of 'A New Era for Irish Tourism' and supporting the sustainable development of Ireland’s tourism sector over the coming decade.
Minister Burke said:
"The establishment of the Tourism Policy Oversight Group marks an important milestone in the implementation of 'A New Era for Irish Tourism'. This Group will ensure robust oversight and a clear focus on achieving the policy's ambitious targets and 71 policy objectives. Tourism is a vital contributor to our economy, our communities and our regions, and its continued success depends on strong collaboration. I look forward to working closely with all partners to support the sustainable growth and long-term competitiveness of Ireland's tourism sector through to 2031”
ENDS
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