Sustainable Tourism in Ireland: New Plan Aims to Adapt to Climate Change Challenges, Get the Details Here

Published on November 14, 2025

The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in Ireland recently released the first Tourism Sectoral Adaptation Plan in the country. This plan, which spans from 2025–2030, is the first of its kind in Ireland and is aimed at steering the entire tourism sector in Ireland in preparing for and adapting to the threats of changing climates and environmental disruptions. The plan is designed to improve the country’s climate change Adaptation Strategy which is focused on improving the resilience of all interrelated activities in Ireland. Adaptation in Ireland’s tourism sector is critical due to the economic value tourism brings to the country. Ireland is also committed to protecting its tourism sector and other socio-economic activities from the impact of climate change.

The Adaptation Plan is Important in protecting the livelihood of the stakeholders that depend on this growing sector of the economy. Safeguarding activities in Ireland’s tourism sector also protects the country’s economy from the impacts of climate change which includes extreme adverse weather.

A Five-Year Roadmap to Strengthen Resilience in Ireland’s Tourism Industry

The Tourism Sectoral Adaptation Plan outlines a comprehensive approach to preparing for climate-related disruptions, with a focus on adaptation strategies that support both environmental sustainability and economic vitality. As part of Ireland’s overall commitment to the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, the plan identifies specific actions that will help the tourism sector better respond to the immediate and long-term effects of climate change.

In a statement regarding the release of the plan, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke emphasized the importance of this initiative, saying, “In economic terms, tourism remains hugely important and provides a significant contribution to the Irish Exchequer. I want to see the sector continue to thrive in the years ahead. To achieve this, it is critical that we prepare for the implications of climate change, including exploring new opportunities that may arise for Irish tourism.”

The plan highlights that tourism—a major employer and contributor to the national economy—is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of shifting weather patterns, such as flooding, severe storms, and heatwaves. These risks are compounded by the increasing pressure on environmentally sensitive areas such as coastal regions, natural parks, and heritage sites, which form a key part of Ireland’s tourism offerings.

Identifying Threats and Opportunities for Irish Tourism

The Tourism Sectoral Adaptation Plan is not only about addressing the risks that climate change poses to Ireland’s tourism industry but also about uncovering potential opportunities for the sector. The plan’s objectives are centered on two core areas: managing climate risks and exploring new possibilities for sustainable tourism.

Minister Burke’s remarks underscore this dual approach: “While the threats posed by climate change are significant, the tourism sector must also look for innovative opportunities that arise from a changing environment.” This forward-thinking approach aims to help Ireland remain competitive as a global tourist destination while also promoting sustainable tourism practices.

The plan will focus on identifying and mitigating the impacts of the most significant climate-related hazards, such as flooding, coastal erosion, and infrastructure damage caused by extreme weather events. At the same time, it encourages tourism operators and local communities to explore how the changing climate could drive interest in eco-tourism, sustainable tourism products, and nature-based experiences.

Three Core Goals for a Sustainable Tourism Future

The Tourism Sectoral Adaptation Plan sets out three core goals that will guide Ireland’s tourism industry over the next five years:

1. Increasing Understanding of Climate Change Impacts on Tourism: The first goal focuses on improving knowledge about how climatic changes are affecting tourism activity in Ireland. By gathering data and improving the understanding of the environmental risks that could disrupt travel, businesses and policymakers can make more informed decisions to reduce negative impacts and enhance the sector’s resilience.
2. Building Shared Awareness of Climate Risks: This goal emphasizes the importance of coordinated action across the tourism sector. Operators, local authorities, and communities are encouraged to collaborate on strengthening resilience and creating a unified response to climate challenges. This collaboration is key to ensuring that the sector can effectively adapt to the changing climate, while also aligning with the broader goals of national climate strategies.
3. Mitigating the Effects of Climate Risks: The third goal targets reducing the consequences of the most significant hazards identified in the National Climate Change Risk Assessment. This includes implementing measures to protect heritage sites, infrastructure, and natural landscapes, which are all integral to the tourism experience in Ireland. These actions will help to safeguard the country’s reputation as a top travel destination while supporting the long-term sustainability of the industry.

Leveraging Financial Support and Stakeholder Collaboration

In addition to the goals outlined in the plan, financial support is a key component of its implementation. Ireland’s government has committed to providing new funding opportunities for tourism businesses that focus on sustainability and climate adaptation. These funds are designed to encourage businesses to invest in green technologies, energy-efficient practices, and resilient infrastructure to minimize their environmental impact.

The plan also encourages public-private collaboration between tourism stakeholders, local governments, and environmental organizations to ensure a collective effort in achieving climate resilience. The government’s focus on climate adaptation is not only about mitigating risks but also fostering an environment where the tourism sector can thrive sustainably in the long term.

Integrating Climate Action into Ireland’s Tourism Brand

The Tourism Sectoral Adaptation Plan is part of a broader effort by the Irish government to integrate climate action into the national tourism brand. By showcasing Ireland’s commitment to environmentally sustainable tourism, the country can attract eco-conscious travelers and position itself as a leader in green tourism.

With a growing number of travelers seeking destinations that prioritize sustainability, Ireland’s efforts to combine tourism and climate resilience are timely. By focusing on sustainable travel options, protecting natural resources, and reducing the carbon footprint of the tourism sector, Ireland can continue to build its reputation as an attractive and responsible destination.

A Greener Future for Irish Tourism

Ireland’s Tourism Sectoral Adaptation Plan demonstrates Ireland’s approach to Climate Change and tourism management in the context of Sustainability and Adaptation Beyond sectorial interests to Collaboration. This change in approach demonstrates that Irish tourism can still be profitable and maintain a sustainable approach to eco-conservation. Ireland’s tourism sector’s embrace and commitment to sustainable practices eco-conservation will create Ireland’s tourism position in the top tier of world destinations.