Ireland’s new tourism policy: Experts warn food tourism and revenue targets face challenges

Ireland’s new tourism policy promises major growth, but industry experts warn food trends, data gaps and unrealistic targets could derail ambitions

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, launched Ireland’s new National Tourism Policy Statement, A New Era for Irish Tourism, at Belvedere House, Mullingar on Monday. At the launch were perfromers from Broken Theatre with Mr Burke, Tanaiste Simon Harris, Minister for Children, Disabilty and Equality, Norma Foley, and Minister s of State Sean Canney and Alan Dillon. Picture: Julian Behal

Fire breathers, dancers, drummers, and an army of Government ministers. The launch of Ireland’s new National Tourism Policy statement this week lacked nothing in spectacle.

In front of the historic surrounds of 18th-century Belvedere Castle in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, the policy statement A New Era for Irish Tourism was launched with fitting fanfare.