‘Clear sense of direction’ – Irish Hotels Federation welcomes Fáilte Ireland strategy

The IHF welcomed Fáilte Ireland’s three-year strategy for 7pc domestic revenue growth.
Hotels and guesthouses account for approximately 70pc of tourism accommodation.
The IHF represents over 900 hotels and guesthouses employing 69,000 people.
The strategy focuses on regional balance and tourism development outside summer.
Gallagher stated hotels have a critical role in drawing visitors to rural areas.

The Irish Hotels Federation has welcomed the publication of Fáilte Ireland’s three-year corporate strategy (2026-2029) aimed at delivering 7pc annual domestic tourism revenue growth. The IHF stated the strategy sets out a clear framework with achievable targets to drive sustainable domestic tourism growth, strengthen competitiveness and increase employment while delivering greater regional and seasonal balance. Hotels and guesthouses account for approximately 70pc of Ireland’s tourism accommodation bedspaces.

IHF Chief Executive Paul Gallagher stated the strategy gives a clear sense of direction for the next three years, recognising the enormous potential for further growth and development in line with the Government’s A New Era for Irish Tourism policy. He welcomed the strong commitment to ensuring the right conditions are created to enhance competitiveness, deliver greater regional balance and promote tourism development outside the summer months.

The IHF represents over 900 hotels and guesthouses nationwide, employing over 69,000 people. Gallagher stated hotels and guesthouses have a critical role to play in supporting further growth and drawing visitors into rural and regional areas, which is a key focus of the new strategy.

Paul Gallagher, IHF Chief Executive, shared, “We welcome Fáilte Ireland’s new tourism strategy. It gives a clear sense of direction for the next three years, recognising the enormous potential for further growth and development.”