The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) is calling for the lifting of the Dublin Airport passenger cap in its 2025-25 budget submission.
ITIC warns of “double-digit” declines in the number of tourists visiting Ireland and an overdependence on US visitors. The confederation seeks to increase annual government spending on tourism services by €90m, raising it to €340m.
ITIC also advocates for the restoration of the 9pc hospitality VAT rate and its extension to visitor attractions and adventure operators.
The passenger cap at Dublin Airport currently limits travel to 32m per year, with 70pc of the tourist economy relying on international visitors.
Eoghan O’Mara Walsh shared “With unprecedented geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty, now is the time for Government to control the controllables. Tourism is the largest indigenous industry and biggest regional employer, and needs to be supported in October’s budget. “
The case for investment in tourism is indisputable with a return on investment unparalleled by other sectors. ITIC members employ around 250,000 people across the country. “This funding would support a market diversification strategy to reduce reliance on American tourists.”
