2026 Reports
Irish Tourism: in pursuit of dragons and tigers
August 2026
Irish tourism leaders are aware that there has been a growing dependence on North America for inbound visitation for a number of years and, although this needs to be deepened and defended, there is also a clear business need to market diversify. In that context China offers rich potential as does that other economic powerhouse, India.
In this bulletin the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) takes a closer look at the Chinese and Indian markets; their make-up, their propensity to travel, and the potential they offer Irish tourism in the years ahead.
Tourism’s Budget Submission – supporting Ireland’s largest indigenous industry and biggest regional employer
August 2026
ITIC’s Budget 2027 submission makes the case for supporting Ireland’s largest indigenous industry and biggest regional employer at a time of continued macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty. Budget 2027, due to be held on October 6th, comes at a key time for Irish tourism and hospitality enterprises and ITIC call for enhanced competitiveness, increased capacity, improved connectivity, and strategic investment.
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Irish Tourism
May 2026
AI is the most disruptive technology to impact Irish tourism in decades. It can deliver many business efficiencies but also has downsides which must be guarded against.
Leading agency TOPOSOPHY recently carried out an important report for the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) which included a survey of tourism businesses, an analysis of adoption and usage, and some key recommendations as to how the benefits of AI can be maximised for enterprises.
Tourism and Ireland’s EU Presidency
11 March 2026
From July 1st to December 31st of this year, Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union – a central leadership role at the heart of EU decision-making. In this bulletin the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) looks at the Presidency, the importance of tourism to the EU, European policy that will impact travel and hospitality, and the opportunity for Ireland to drive the tourism agenda forward.
The Presidency presents the chance to put a distinct Irish imprint on Europe’s work programme, ensuring that tourism issues are amplified and that future opportunities are maximised and challenges identified. There has never been a more opportune time or backdrop to ‘politically’ advance the tourism sector at EU level.
