Ireland Unveils New National Tourism Policy, Focused on its Food Tourism and Off-Peak Growth, Aiming for Economic and Sustainable Development

Published on December 2, 2025

The Irish government unveiled a new National Tourism Policy Statement heralding a ‘new era’ for Irish tourism. The policy puts a strong focus on developing food-related tourism and extending the tourism season from October until May, aligning with global trends in sustainable tourism and enhancing the country’s tourism impact.

They were joined at yesterday’s launch event in Co. Westmeath by key stakeholders, including Tánaiste Simon Harris and Tourism Minister Peter Burke, to emphasize tourism’s crucial role as an economic driver. The Minister also emphasized the fact that tourism shouldn’t be just about visitor arrival numbers; instead, it is also about ensuring tourism delivers for local communities, smaller enterprises, and regional economies in every corner of Ireland.

Targeting Growth: Boosting Tourism Revenue and Employment

The new strategy outlines ambitious targets for Ireland’s tourism industry, with goals to increase international tourism revenue by 6% annually and domestic tourism revenue by 7% per year. These targets reflect the growing demand for unique travel experiences in Ireland, particularly in the fields of cultural tourism, eco-tourism, and food tourism.

The focus on off-peak season growth is expected to spread tourism demand more evenly throughout the year, helping to sustain the local economy during slower months. The extension of the tourism season will lead to more job opportunities, business activity, and increased tourism-related revenue in areas that traditionally experience lower visitor numbers during the off-peak period.

Food Tourism: A Key Driver for Local Economic Impact

One of the standout elements of the National Tourism Policy is the emphasis on food-related tourism. As food tourism continues to grow globally, Ireland is positioning itself as a premier gastro-tourism destination. With its rich agricultural heritage, world-class local produce, and renowned culinary traditions, Ireland has the potential to become a major player in the global food tourism market.

Food tourism has a significant economic impact, driving local business growth and job creation in areas like restaurants, food markets, local producers, and agriculture. By promoting local food festivals, gastro-tours, and culinary experiences, Ireland is set to attract a growing segment of tourists who are eager to explore new cuisines and traditional flavors while also supporting small businesses in the agriculture and hospitality sectors.

Sustainable Tourism: Ensuring Long-Term Growth and Environmental Preservation

A core principle of the new tourism policy is the development of sustainable tourism practices that balance growth with environmental responsibility. The Irish government aims to ensure that tourism growth does not come at the expense of Ireland’s natural resources. This includes supporting eco-friendly accommodations, nature-based activities, and conservation efforts that preserve Ireland’s landscapes, coastal regions, and rural areas.

By promoting eco-tourism and sustainable travel options, the government hopes to attract eco-conscious travelers while ensuring that Ireland’s tourism sector is resilient and capable of adapting to future challenges. Sustainable tourism also encourages the preservation of Ireland’s cultural heritage, providing long-term benefits for local communities and future generations.

Tourism and Local Communities: Distributing Benefits Across Ireland

One of the key goals of the new National Tourism Policy is to ensure that tourism benefits are felt by all regions of the country, not just the traditional tourist hotspots. With the emphasis on off-peak season growth, Ireland aims to spread tourism traffic more evenly across urban centers and rural areas, ensuring that local communities in every corner of the country can benefit from tourism revenue.

This approach will contribute to job creation in small towns, villages, and rural areas, where tourism-related employment in sectors like guiding services, cultural events, transportation, and hospitality will help sustain local economies. In addition to increased employment, this model fosters inclusive growth, providing economic opportunities for underserved regions and ensuring more equitable benefits from tourism.

The Future Impact of Tourism on Ireland’s Global Positioning

Looking ahead, Ireland’s National Tourism Policy is setting the stage for long-term success in the global tourism market. By focusing on sustainable growth, food tourism, and the extension of the tourism season, the country is positioning itself as a dynamic, year-round destination. This strategy is expected to boost Ireland’s global profile, attracting more international tourists while promoting domestic tourism and encouraging visits to lesser-known destinations across the country.

The integration of eco-friendly practices and the development of unique tourism experiences will help solidify Ireland’s place as a leading destination in Europe for responsible travelers seeking both luxury and authentic experiences. As tourism continues to grow, Ireland will remain at the forefront of sustainable tourism development, ensuring that economic benefits are widely distributed and natural resources are protected for generations to come.

A Vision for Sustainable Tourism Growth in Ireland

The National Tourism Policy Statement is a crucial milestone in framing the future of Irish tourism in a manner that is sustainable, economically viable, and inclusive at the regional level. Promoting food tourism, eco-tourism, and increasing the length of the tourism season, Ireland will become one of the world leaders for travelers in pursuit of authentic and sustainable experiences.

With Ireland continuing to invest in tourism infrastructure and develop innovative responsible tourism practices, the country is well-placed for long-term success in global tourism markets, driving economic opportunity and job growth while enhancing the visitor experience across Ireland. This forward-looking approach ensures that tourism will continue to be important to Ireland’s economic prosperity while fostering environmental care and cultural heritage.