Tourism continues to play a vital role in Irish life. It is both an essential economic sector and a means by which Ireland tells stories of itself to the world and builds deep and lasting connections with friends around the globe. Thousands of people are directly employed in the sector and the whole country benefits from the revenue it generates for the economy and the long-lasting international connections that it fosters. We have a superb tourism offering based on our attractive environment, culture and heritage, and the warm Irish welcome. It is incumbent on us all to protect it to ensure that future generations also benefit from it.

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After successive years of growth, the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in an unprecedented shock to Irish tourism and the sector worldwide. Thankfully, the sector again showed its resilience by recovering quickly with the backing of strong Government support. I want to see the sector continue to recover, rebuild and grow in the coming years but to do so in a sustainable manner. This Policy Framework provides the foundations to ensure we have a resilient and flourishing tourism sector in 2030.

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While our core offering is strong, there are both short-term and more strategic challenges to be overcome. Climate change and biodiversity loss pose a real threat to our society and we are already feeling the impacts. The tourism sector is not immune to this and so we must be prepared for change while also ensuring that tourism plays its part in pursuing ambitious climate action and a healthy environment. Given that Ireland’s tourism product has strong roots in our natural heritage and environment, it is essential that these aspects are protected for future generations.

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This policy is formulated using the well-established sustainable development model that balances economic development with environmental and social considerations. Implementing the strategic objectives of this Policy Framework will bring tangible benefits to the sector and will also provide facilities and experiences of value to local communities. This will see tourism continuing to provide sustainable employment in all areas of the country and also ensure that local communities are proud of their tourism offering.

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We can further strengthen our shared island offering to visitors, support rewarding careers, enhance the regional distribution of tourism, grow our food-based offerings for visitors, reduce waste, minimise the environmental footprint of holidays and ultimately ensure Ireland remains a world-class and sustainable destination.

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This Policy Framework sets out a range of policy proposals across environment, economic and social pillars, but for these proposals to be meaningful they must be implemented effectively. A wide range of partners including other Government Departments, state agencies and local authorities will have key roles to play. The tourism sector itself is of course the essential actor in this mission and I believe that, by embracing the policy objectives set out herein, we can develop a thriving tourism sector with secure long-term growth potential.

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I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the formulation of the Policy and in particular Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland for their invaluable work in support of the Irish tourism sector in recent years. I look forward to all stakeholders working together to ensure that the objectives set out in this Policy Framework are achieved. Ag obair le chéile, is féidir linn todhchaí dóchasach agus dearfach a chinntiú don earnáil turasóireachta ar mhaithe le muintir na tíre agus an tír í féin.

• Introduction
• Policy Overview
• Environmental Pillar
• Economic Pillar
• Social Pillar
• Implementation and Data