Visit Cork targeting 10% increase in tourist numbers to region this year

Tourism now accounts for one in 10 jobs in Cork, employing 22,500 people

Thu, 29 Jan, 2026 - 12:45

Martin Claffey

Tourism now accounts for one in 10 jobs in Cork, and the industry is targeting a growth in visitor numbers to the region by up to 10% this year.

The positive ambitions were outlined by Visit Cork at its annual Tourism Industry Day, which took place on Thursday at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa in Little Island, attended by more than 150 tourism and hospitality stakeholders.

Visit Cork is the official destination tourism marketing agency for Cork. It said said tourism accounts for one in every 10 jobs in the county, employing approximately 22,500 people. Visit Cork confirmed it is actively targeting Canada as a priority market from 2026, alongside continued focus on the US, UK, Spain, France, and the Netherlands.

“While the US remains important, it is vital that we are not over-reliant and continue to develop new overseas growth markets,” said Visit Cork head Seamus Heaney.

Expansion of activity in Germany was also announced, with Visit Cork twinned with Tourism Ireland’s German market office for the rest of 2026. The move will be supported by increased frequency on the Frankfurt–Cork air service this summer, strengthening access.

Cork Convention Bureau, a public private partnership which operates as part of Visit Cork to promote the city as a business tourism destination, said conference and business events have delivered approximately €150m to the Cork economy since 2007. “Cork performs exceptionally well in attracting international association conferences,” Cork Convention Bureau manager Evelyn O'Sullivan said. “We are targeting further growth of in sectors where Cork has global strengths, including food and agri-tech, STEM, space and maritime.”

Mr Heaney said Visit Cork is targeting strong potential revenue avenues in 2026 including immersive experiences, food tourism, and the night-time economy. It will also focus on "dynamic packaging", where accommodation providers and attractions collaborate to create compelling visitor offers.

Later this year, Pure Cork will launch a new national and international marketing campaign positioning Cork as an experience-rich destination, with a particular focus on food and gastronomy, and adventure and activities. Tourism businesses were encouraged to develop evening and off-peak experiences, create sellable packages and collaborate locally to increase overnight stays and extend visitor dwell time.

Seán O’Malley of Fáilte Ireland said every €1m of tourist expenditure supports around 20 tourism jobs, and for every euro spent by a visitor, approximately 29% returned to the Exchequer.

Meanwhile Visit Cork’s sustainability lead, Katherine Fitzpatrick, confirmed that Cork now ranks 20th globally on the Global Destination Sustainability Index and second among comparable cities, following the city’s 2025 submission.