ETOA Ireland working group analyses market shifts at meeting in Dublin

ETOA Ireland Working Group met in Dublin to discuss market performance.
US demand remains strong, while European demand has softened.
High accommodation costs and capacity shortages are critical concerns.
Sustainable mobility transition faces infrastructure and supply constraints.
Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency is shaping the strategic outlook.

The ETOA Ireland Working Group has been convening in Dublin to review seasonal performance and analyse demand trends from European and United States markets. The group met at the Alex Hotel in Dublin to address practical realities facing Irish tourism operators . A key discussion theme confirmed that demand from the United States remains robust, but European interest has softened, resulting in more price-driven requests and shorter travel packages .

Participants across the public and private sectors identified accommodation costs and severe capacity shortages in Dublin, Belfast, and Killarney as critical concerns . This cost pressure has driven an industry-wide push to promote off-peak seasonality and lesser-known regional destinations. The transition to sustainable mobility continues to be slowed by weak transit infrastructure and supply-side constraints on fleet upgrades .

The meeting also explored the strategic outlook as Ireland prepares for its upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU . Attractions have been focusing further on digitalisation and product development for leisure and MICE markets.