The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) issued a grim warning about the future of Ireland’s tourism sector last week, during the launch of its annual conference, scheduled for 25 September.
This year’s event, supported by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and AIB, will be held at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre.
‘Unsustainable Burdens’
“The tourism industry is at a critical tipping point, with skyrocketing costs imposing unsustainable burdens on an industry that is vital to Ireland’s economy,” said Eoghan O’Mara Walsh, CEO of the ITIC.
“With Budget 2025 on the horizon, it’s imperative that the government reintroduce the 9% VAT rate and invest appropriately in the sector, to ensure its survival.”
Government Meeting
O’Mara Walsh also highlighted the outcome of the ITIC’s meeting with Minister for Finance Jack Chambers and Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe, which took place last week.
“It was a constructive discussion,” O’Mara Walsh noted, stressing that the Ministers are acutely aware of the “difficult situation”.
‘Responsible Ambition’
This year’s conference, hosted by journalist and broadcaster Dearbhail McDonald, is themed ‘Responsible Ambition’ and will explore how innovation and sustainability can help the tourism-and-hospitality industry thrive in challenging times.
The line-up of speakers includes Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin, award-winning broadcaster Jon Sopel, tech expert Jess Kelly, Irish satirist Oliver Callan, and economist Jim Power.
