The annual conference of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) took place on October 1, 2026, at The Convention Centre Dublin. Centered around the theme “Adjust, Adapt, Accelerate: Irish Tourism in Uncertain Times,” the flagship event addressed critical economic, infrastructure, and policy shifts facing the sector.
The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders and international experts to address economic pressures, geopolitical challenges and opportunities linked to Ireland’s EU Presidency.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke offered insights into government priorities for tourism, enterprise and employment. US Ambassador Edward S. Walsh spoke on the theme “Deepen and defend”, stressing the importance of the transatlantic relationship for Irish tourism.
ITIC CEO Eoghan O’Mara Walsh highlighted that overall visitor numbers are up but a drop in North American arrivals is making the industry nervous, underscoring the need for competitiveness measures such as extending the 9 per cent VAT rate.
A strong panel discussion on Irish tourism and the EU Presidency featured Caroline Bocquel of Fáilte Ireland, Eduardo Santander of the European Travel Commission, Alice Mansergh of Tourism Ireland and Misa Labarile of the European Commission. Labarile outlined the EU’s vision for a competitive, resilient and sustainable tourism sector. The session reinforced the value of business events in attracting high-value visitors and maintaining Ireland’s global profile during uncertain times.
The conference also celebrated the next generation through the ITIC 40 Under Forty finalists, with Jess Sinnott named overall winner. Organisers Anne O’Donoghue and Eoghan O’Mara Walsh, together with the ITIC team, were praised for delivering a thought-provoking programme that left attendees optimistic about Irish tourism’s capacity to adjust and accelerate.
- Industry leaders addressed the growing gap between rising visitor volume numbers and actual spending/revenue generated on the ground.
- Stakeholders emphasized the vital need to encourage tourists to travel outside peak summer months and explore regional communities rather than just major urban hubs.
- While overall year-to-date visitor numbers to Ireland increased, ITIC CEO Eoghan O’Mara Walsh highlighted a concerning 3pc dip in North American tourists. Because U.S. travelers typically stay longer and spend more, industry leaders warned that Ireland’s heavy reliance on this single market exposes it to massive vulnerability.
- With Budget 2027 looming on October 6, a central rallying cry from delegates was the demand to restore the 9pc VAT rate for hospitality and tourism businesses to combat hyper-inflation and soaring operating costs.
- Leaders reiterated that structural constraints, specifically the passenger cap at Dublin Airport, must be lifted permanently alongside a concerted push to accelerate hotel and tourist accommodation development to sustain capacity.
- Set against the backdrop of Ireland holding the Presidency of the EU Council, speakers like EU Commissioner Michael McGrath discussed leveraging this high-visibility six-month window. The goal is to capture the attention of continental ministers and business leaders to drive European inbound travel.
- Renowned chef Donal Skehan addressed the crowd on maximizing Ireland’s gastronomy potential. Nurturing local culinary experiences was presented as a high-yield vehicle to organically drive up visitor numbers and prolong regional stays.
- Sector executives focused heavily on rising operational overheads, hoteliers’ dynamic pricing models, and calls regarding VAT and capacity restrictions.
- With Ireland holding a prominent political backdrop in the EU, sessions examined international relations, European policy impacts, and global travel patterns.
- Celebrity chef Donal Skehan highlighted how gastronomy can elevate Ireland’s appeal and act as a primary driver for specialized visitor attraction.
- Experts explored how AI and tech disruptions are altering the employment landscape and how the hospitality workforce must future-proof operations.
