Tourism is an essential economic sector which benefits communities throughout the country. Tens of thousands of people are directly employed in the sector and the whole country benefits economically from the revenue it generates and the international connections it fosters. Ireland has a high quality and diverse tourism offering based on the warm Irish welcome, our attractive environment, culture, and heritage. In 2024, the CSO estimates that Ireland welcomed 6.6 million overseas visitors, generating €6 billion in export revenue (excluding fares). The total value of domestic overnight trips by residents in Ireland was estimated at €3.6 billion.
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment leads on tourism issues and policy at government level while the tourism agencies (Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland ) operate under the aegis of the department and implement that policy.
The Tourism Division’s goals are to:
- support the sustainable growth of a competitive tourism sector with a particular emphasis on economic development in communities throughout the country, conserving/safeguarding our environment and natural resources
- 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
Units of the Division
- Tourism Accommodation and Employment Unit
- Tourism Development Unit
- Tourism Marketing Unit
- Tourism Policy Unit
Contact us
Email: TourismDivision@enterprise.gov.ie