Fáilte Ireland announced has released a programme of consultations in county Mayo over its plans for tourism development across the country during its annual industry briefing last month.
The National Tourism Development Authority is investing over €14.5m in 11 new tourism projects to be completed in 2025, leveraging Ireland’s heritage and landscapes to attract visitors.
A focus on enhancing domestic marketing and supporting local festivals, such as New Year’s Festival Dublin and St. Patrick’s Festival, aims to distribute visitor numbers throughout the year beyond the summer peak.
Minister for Tourism Peter Burke highlighted the plans’ importance for economic growth and job creation, particularly in rural areas, supporting a balanced regional spread of tourism and long-term career development.
The tourism sector outlook for 2025 appears positive, with 39% of businesses anticipating increased visitor levels and 42% expecting levels to remain consistent, despite concerns over energy and payroll costs.
Fáilte Ireland CEO Paul Kelly said: “while we acknowledge the significant cost and profitability challenges facing the tourism sector, we are starting the year on a positive note. The tourism sector in Ireland is now offering the greatest choice of things to see and do, providing a wider range of accommodation options and attractions that make Ireland an even more attractive holiday destination for both international and domestic visitors.
However, we are facing a year where visitor access capacity hasn’t grown as fast as the capacity to host visitors, and profitability will be the key concern for businesses. This will likely require individual businesses to be as competitive as possible to attract both domestic and overseas business. The plans we are unveiling today are designed to help tourism businesses do just that. Our investments in capital projects, marketing, and festivals across the country will drive visitors directly to destinations and into businesses. Additionally, our comprehensive range of support measures will be tailored to help the industry address its most pressing challenges.”
