Ireland's plan to reverse tourism decline
Central Statistics Office (CSO) inbound tourism data for January 2025 show a 25.0% year-on-year decline in international visitor numbers, and a 27.9% decline in spend - a drop of €83M from January 2024.
Over-dependence on the North American market, and weakness in traditional European markets France and Germany, are seen as problematic issues.
The Irish government has announced several commitments that are intended to prop up the country's tourism industry:
- A "Year of the Invitation" building on the success of "The Gathering" initiative of 12 years ago
- Reducing VAT rate to 9% for restaurants, entertainment and hairdressing - businesses popular with tourists
- Institution of a new National Tourism Policy intended to ensure the long-term viability of Ireland tourism
- Infrastructure enhancements to transport, greenways, cycle routes and the Wild Atlantic Way
The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) has called for further government action, including:
- Removing the Dublin Airport passenger cap
- Invest in regional airports
- Reduce taxes on tourism employers
- Preserve tourist accommodations in rural and coastal regions
For more, watch the video of ITIC CEO Eoghan O'Mara Walsh interviewing Tourism Ireland CEO Alice Mansergh.
