Tourism Ireland minister Peter Burke updated Ireland’s delegates to World Travel Market at a reception in the Irish embassy in London on the new tourism policy.
Tourism Ireland has been granted extra resources to follow new air routes and extend visitor season. Budget 2026 will restore the 9pc VAT rate mid-year and provides the first dedicated enterprise funding for the industry.
He said the sector must build capacity for 12pc seat increase in spring and winter. Tourism Ireland will receive extra resources to follow new air routes with on-the-ground teams, extend the visitor season and strengthen culinary tourism built on artisan produce.
He noted that World Travel Market generates €70m in business within six months and stressed the need to spread arrivals beyond summer. The new policy promotes culinary tourism and shared-island cooperation in education and infrastructure.
Burke emphasised the shared-island dimension of tourism. Investment in cross-border education and infrastructure will draw visitors to both jurisdictions. He committed to remove the Dublin Airport passenger cap and to work with the sector to turn policy into action.
Peter Burke shared “We have about 46,000 SMEs in our country in the tourist sector, one in every 10 jobs supported in that sector. We’re going to see our sector being supported and girded over the next number of years. I will do everything I can to vindicate all your hard work.”
Gallery from event below:
Gallery from WTM below:
