IHF Hails Fáilte Ireland's Domestic Tourism Growth Plan as 'Clear Sense of Direction'

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) has welcomed the publication of Fáilte Ireland’s three-year corporate strategy (2026-2029) aimed at delivering 7% annual domestic tourism revenue growth in line with the Government’s national policy targets.

The new strategy sets out a clear framework with achievable targets to drive sustainable domestic tourism growth, strengthen competitiveness and increase employment while delivering greater regional and seasonal balance. It is a clear recognition of the critical economic role that tourism plays as one of Ireland’s largest indigenous industries, supporting one in ten jobs nationally, including over 69,000 people employed directly by hotels and guesthouses.

IHF Chief Executive Paul Gallagher said: “We welcome Fáilte Ireland’s new tourism strategy. It gives a clear sense of direction for the next three years, recognising the enormous potential for further growth and development in line with the Government’s A New Era for Irish Tourism policy. In particular, we welcome the strong commitment to ensuring the right conditions are created to enhance competitiveness, deliver greater regional balance and promote tourism development outside the summer months.

“Hotels and guesthouses account for approximately 70% of Ireland's tourism accommodation bedspaces and have a critical role to play in supporting further growth and drawing visitors into rural and regional areas. This is a key focus of the new strategy.

“We look forward to working closely with Fáilte Ireland to help deliver the targets set out and ensure our industry lives up to its full potential as a major engine of economic growth and prosperity.”