This research paper has been commissioned to present the added value of tourism in the context of NI’s economic vision, to identify key challenges by 2030 and identify international best practice that could inform the Government policy.

Our conclusion is clear: tourism is aligned with the 10X Vision and has been delivering tangible results for several years. Moving forward, substantial measures could be taken to ensure the sustainable development of this value-added sector. Investing in the tourism product is key to ensuring its long-term competitiveness. This could be done in accordance with co-constructed objectives and regularly monitored KPIs considering the economic, social and environmental impacts generated by tourism.

Today, both local and global tourism is at a crossroad. It has delivered and is still delivering huge benefits to national economies and local communities over many years by providing jobs for all, enriching local quality of life and promoting Northern Ireland’s image throughout the world.

However, by 2030, the Department for the Economy, Tourism Northern Ireland, Tourism Ireland, and the other tourism stakeholders will have to answer three main questions:

1. How can we increase the resilience of the tourism sector against climate change and air travel dependency for an island destination?
2. How can we innovate to fulfil new demands from domestic and international tourists post-COVID?
3. How can we develop an inclusive tourism model which benefits the Region in its entirety and is accepted by locals?

The objectives of this research paper are as follows:

• Demonstrate how the NI tourism industry is successfully contributing to the fulfilment of the principles of the 10X Economic Vision
• Highlight the various challenges facing the NI tourism industry from an economic, environmental and social perspective
• Showcase best-practice examples from comparator countries including their actions taken to respond to economic, environmental and social challenges, to be considered by the NI tourism industry where appropriate and viable
• Present recommendations which could support the NI tourism industry respond to the economic, environmental and social challenges, and continue to serve as an attractive and competitive tourist destination

This research paper is not intended to give definitive answers to these three main questions, as the cost and the benefits of each of these recommendations will need to be assessed carefully. The opinion of NI stakeholders (public and private) will also need to be taken into account when making strategic, operational or regulatory recommendations. It is evident, however, that the recommendations provided will prove useful in fulfilment of and are aligned to relevant upcoming Visions and Strategies (in addition to 10X) such as the currently-proposed pillars of the upcoming NI Tourism Strategy.

1. Executive Summary
2. The Northern Ireland Tourism Industry
3. Tourism is aligned with the 10x Vision and is already delivering on key priorities
4. The tourism sector will face three main challenges by 2030
5. Appendices