Tourism sector forecasts revenue rebound in 2026 after challenging year

Visitor numbers to Ireland are expected to be down 6% this year, but tourism industry intelligence points to a flat year or one marginally down

Chief executive of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation Eoghan O’Mara Walsh: 'We are predicting growth of 5%-7% in tourism revenue based on a stable global economy and increased air access into the country.'

Despite 2025 seeing a reduction in the number of tourists travelling to Ireland, the tourism sector is projecting growth in revenue over the coming 12 months of between 5% and 7%, the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) has said.

Based on Central Statistics Office (CSO) data from between January and October, the latest data which is available, the ITIC is projecting a 6% fall in total visitor numbers to Ireland during 2025 to approximately 6.16 million.