Tourism industry to examine visitor numbers and spending

The figures point to a mixed outlook for one of Ireland’s largest indigenous industries, with tourism businesses continuing to face high operating costs, changing travel patterns and strong competition from other European destinations.

The latest CSO data shows that 676,300 overseas visitors traveled to Ireland in July, up 5% from June 2025. Overseas visitors spent €681m during the month, an increase of 9% year-on-year.

Tourism is worth €11.2bn to the Irish economy annually and contributes €3.3bn to the Exchequer through tourism-related taxes. The sector supports around 229,400 jobs, making it particularly important to regional economies.

The figures come ahead of the ITIC Annual Conference, which will take place at the Convention Centre Dublin on October 1 under the theme “Adjust, Adapt, Accelerate: Irish Tourism in Uncertain Times”.

ITIC CEO Eoghan O’Mara Walsh said the latest figures provided “cause for cautious optimism”, but warned against relying on visitor numbers alone.

“We need to look beyond the headline growth figure. There is growing evidence that the tourism season is softening, and we have still not moved beyond 2024 revenue levels,” he said.

“International tourism is exceptionally competitive. Visitors have more choice than ever, and Ireland has to compete on value, access, and the overall visitor experience.”

O’Mara Walsh welcomed the lifting of the Dublin Airport passenger cap and highlighted the new China Eastern service from Shanghai as evidence of efforts to diversify Ireland’s tourism markets.

However, he said the sector remained vulnerable to high operating costs.

“The next question for Irish tourism is not simply how many people come here, but how we grow the value of tourism sustainably,” he said.

He said this would require encouraging visitors to stay longer, travel outside traditional peak periods, and spend in towns and communities across the country.

“In many parts of the country, tourism is the only show in town, and businesses need to be supported by policy-makers,” he added.

The conference will bring together Government, economic, and tourism figures to examine the challenges facing the sector.

Speakers will include Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke, US Ambassador to Ireland Edward S. Walsh, Tourism Ireland CEO Alice Mansergh, Fáilte Ireland CEO Caroline Bocquel, AIB Chief Economist David McNamara and chef Donal Skehan.

The event will also examine Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency, the country’s relationship with the US, artificial intelligence and the future of work, and culinary tourism.

O’Mara Walsh said the conference would consider the wider forces shaping the sector, including economic conditions in the US and Europe, the cost of doing business, AI, changing consumer behavior and international connectivity.

“Bringing together voices from Government, economics, tourism and international affairs gives us an opportunity to look at where the sector stands today, but more importantly at what comes next,” he said.

* This article was originally published on BusinessPlus.ie.